Trump Says Saudi Leader Knew Nothing of Journalist Murder, Rejecting CIA Assessment

President Trump defended Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, asserting he 'knew nothing' about the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. This statement contradicts a CIA assessment that concluded the Crown Prince approved the killing. Trump's remarks come amid ongoing scrutiny of U.S.-Saudi relations and the implications of Khashoggi's murder on international diplomacy.

President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico has firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's threats of military strikes against drug cartels in Mexico. Trump had indicated openness to such actions, stating, "It's OK with me," but Sheinbaum emphasized that Mexico will not accept any U.S. intervention in its territory, citing historical context from the Mexican-American War. This stance reflects Mexico's commitment to sovereignty and non-interventionism in its domestic affairs.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud visited the White House, where he was warmly welcomed by President Trump. The visit included a military flyover and a friendly exchange between the two leaders in the Oval Office, highlighting the ongoing relationship between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. This marks the Crown Prince's first visit to the U.S. in seven years, emphasizing the importance of security and investment discussions during this meeting.

Former President Donald Trump defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, asserting that he was unaware of the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. This claim contradicts a CIA assessment that indicated the Crown Prince orchestrated the killing. Trump's remarks came during a meeting where he welcomed the Crown Prince to the White House, marking his first visit since the incident. The defense of the Crown Prince has drawn criticism and raised questions about U.S. foreign policy and intelligence assessments.

Cristiano Ronaldo is scheduled to visit the White House on the same day as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Portuguese football star is reportedly being compensated significantly as part of Saudi Arabia's modernization efforts. This visit highlights the intersection of sports and diplomacy, particularly in the context of Saudi Arabia's ongoing initiatives to enhance its global image and attract international investment.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman stated that Saudi Arabia will not normalize relations with Israel without a clear path to Palestinian statehood. He expressed interest in joining the Abraham Accords initiated by former President Trump, which aimed to establish diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab nations. The Crown Prince emphasized the importance of addressing Palestinian rights as a prerequisite for any normalization efforts.

As the Middle East experiences significant political shifts, US-Saudi relations are influenced by a complex mix of security ties, regional diplomacy, and personal interests. The Trump family's longstanding connections to Saudi Arabia raise questions about potential financial gains for the US president. The evolving dynamics could impact peace and stability in the region, with implications for relations with other nations like Syria and Israel.

During a press interaction on Air Force One, President Trump responded to a female reporter's question regarding Jeffrey Epstein by telling her to 'quiet, piggy.' The comment was made on Friday and has since drawn attention.