Trump shrugs off Khashoggi murder during Saudi prince’s White House visit

Donald Trump defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a White House meeting, downplaying the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. This meeting coincided with the announcement of a significant arms deal, including the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. Trump's family has vested interests in Saudi projects, including the development of Trump Plaza in Jeddah, further complicating the political landscape surrounding U.S.-Saudi relations.

Over the weekend, two tourists staying at the same hotel as a deceased family were hospitalized in Istanbul after exhibiting symptoms of nausea and vomiting. This incident follows the recent deaths of a family, raising concerns about a possible poisoning case. In total, 11 individuals have been arrested in connection with the investigation, which is deepening as authorities seek to determine the cause of the illnesses and deaths. The situation has drawn significant attention from both local and international media.

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.

The US House of Representatives passed a bill with near-unanimous support to mandate the release of documents related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. This decision follows a significant shift from former President Donald Trump and his Republican allies, who had previously opposed the release. The bill aims to shed light on Epstein's activities and the investigations surrounding him, responding to public demand for transparency.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is visiting the United States, where discussions are focused on Saudi Arabia's interest in acquiring the F-35 fighter jet. This visit marks a significant moment in U.S.-Saudi relations, particularly in the context of military cooperation and arms sales. The F-35, known for its advanced capabilities, represents a strategic enhancement for Saudi Arabia's defense forces.

The US House voted 427-1 to release government files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This decision follows President Donald Trump's reversal of his previous opposition, highlighting divisions within the GOP as lawmakers aim to address the concerns of over 1,000 alleged victims. The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

Eliyahu ‘Eli’ Weinstein, a New Jersey man previously pardoned by Donald Trump in 2021, has been sentenced to 37 years in federal prison for defrauding investors out of $35 million. The ruling was made by US District Judge Michael Shipp in Trenton, who also ordered Weinstein to pay $44,294,803 in restitution immediately. Weinstein, 51, from Lakewood, was known as Mike Konig and had his earlier sentence commuted by Trump, but now faces significant legal consequences for his fraudulent activities.

In a recent statement, former President Donald Trump claimed that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was unaware of the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. This assertion contradicts a CIA assessment at the time, which indicated that the Crown Prince orchestrated the killing. Khashoggi was murdered in the Saudi consulate in Turkey, leading to significant backlash against Saudi Arabia and strained relations with the U.S.