On November 18, 2025, Donald J. Trump sat across from Mohammed bin Salman in the White House Oval Office — not as a former president, but as a political force still shaping global alliances. The meeting, the first official visit by the Saudi leader since the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, was billed as a milestone in diplomatic rehabilitation. Trump didn’t mince words: "He knew nothing about what happened." The phrase, delivered with casual certainty, echoed through the room like a political incantation — erasing years of international outrage with a single sentence.
A Diplomatic Rebirth
Seven years after Jamal Khashoggi was dismembered inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, the world still remembers. CIA assessments, UN reports, and even Saudi courts implicated Mohammed bin Salman in the operation. Yet here he was, greeted by Melania Trump in the East Wing, flanked by U.S. officials, and treated not as a pariah, but as a partner. "It’s been nine decades since we started this relationship," said a Saudi delegation member during the meeting, according to White House video footage. "Today, the opportunities are huge." The symbolism was impossible to ignore. In 2018, global leaders condemned the killing. Germany paused arms sales. Canada recalled its ambassador. The United Nations called it a "crime against humanity." Now, Trump — who had dismissed the murder as "a tragedy" during his presidency and later claimed the Saudis were "not the best people" — was openly rehabilitating the Crown Prince. "He’s a visionary," Trump said, turning to the press pool. "Look at what he’s done for his country."The $1 Trillion Shift
The real news wasn’t the words — it was the numbers. Mohammed bin Salman announced Saudi Arabia would invest $1 trillion in U.S. infrastructure, energy, and tech firms — up from the previously negotiated $600 billion. That’s more than the entire GDP of Switzerland. The investment plan includes stakes in U.S. ports, renewable energy grids, and AI startups, according to a senior White House official who spoke on background. The scale is staggering. For context, the 2018 U.S.-Saudi defense deal was valued at $110 billion. This new commitment dwarfs it. And it’s not just money — it’s leverage. The Saudis are signaling they’ll tie their economic future to American markets, regardless of who sits in the Oval Office. "This isn’t charity," said a Wall Street analyst familiar with the talks. "It’s a hedge. They know the U.S. is still the only place where capital moves with certainty."
Abraham Accords and Arms Deals
Trump also signaled support for Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords — the 2020 normalization deals between Israel and several Arab states brokered during his first term. "It would be a historic step," he said. "The Middle East can be peaceful if the right people are at the table." Behind closed doors, Secretary of State Marco Rubio hinted at imminent decisions on export licenses. "We may have announcements later today," he told reporters. Analysts believe those licenses could involve advanced military tech — possibly F-35 fighter jets or drone systems — long withheld since the Khashoggi killing. The Pentagon has not confirmed any new approvals, but the timing is unmistakable.Why This Matters
This meeting wasn’t just about money or diplomacy. It was about moral recalibration. For years, U.S. foreign policy has swung between condemning human rights abuses and prioritizing oil, arms sales, and regional stability. Trump’s embrace of Mohammed bin Salman suggests that, for him, the latter always wins. And if he returns to power in 2024, this visit may be the blueprint: silence on rights, silence on accountability, and a handshake that opens wallets. The U.S. House passed a bill the same day demanding the release of the Epstein files, a move seen as part of a broader push for transparency. Yet here, in the same building, the most powerful man in the room chose to bury the past — not because evidence disappeared, but because it was inconvenient.
What Comes Next
No formal dates were set for follow-up meetings. But Marco Rubio’s promise of "announcements later today" suggests concrete deals are imminent. Saudi officials say they’re finalizing agreements with Boeing, Chevron, and several AI firms in Silicon Valley. Meanwhile, human rights groups are preparing legal challenges. "This isn’t normalization," said Sarah Leah Whitson of Human Rights Watch. "It’s amnesia with a billion-dollar price tag." The Crown Prince’s visit marks a turning point — not because the facts changed, but because the world’s willingness to hold power accountable has shifted. And that’s the real story.Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Trump say MBS 'knew nothing' about Khashoggi’s murder?
Trump’s statement contradicts multiple U.S. intelligence assessments, including a 2018 CIA report that concluded MBS approved the operation. His framing reflects a political strategy: prioritize economic and strategic interests over human rights accountability. By dismissing the murder as "things happen," he aligns with a long-standing U.S. pattern of overlooking abuses when allies deliver on oil, arms, or investment deals.
How significant is the $1 trillion Saudi investment in the U.S.?
It’s unprecedented. The $1 trillion figure exceeds the total value of all U.S. foreign direct investment from the Gulf in the past decade. If fully realized, it could fund 20 new renewable energy projects, upgrade five major ports, and create over 150,000 American jobs. But skeptics warn it’s mostly pledges — actual disbursement will depend on U.S. regulatory approvals and political stability, especially if Trump doesn’t win the 2024 election.
What does Saudi joining the Abraham Accords mean?
Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords would be a seismic shift in Middle East politics. It would normalize relations with Israel, opening the door for joint tech ventures, security coordination, and direct flights. But it also risks alienating Palestinians and Arab public opinion. For Trump, it’s a legacy project — he’s trying to cement his foreign policy achievements before potentially leaving office again.
Why is Marco Rubio’s mention of export licenses important?
Export licenses control the sale of sensitive U.S. military tech. The U.S. suspended approvals for advanced weapons systems to Saudi Arabia after Khashoggi’s murder. If Rubio’s "announcements" involve F-35s, missile defense systems, or surveillance drones, it signals a full restoration of the U.S.-Saudi defense relationship — and a green light for potential use in Yemen or other conflicts. Human rights groups say this could violate U.S. arms export laws.
Is this visit a sign of Trump’s return to power?
Not directly — but it’s a powerful signal. Trump, still a dominant figure in Republican politics, used the meeting to project influence beyond his official role. By hosting MBS, he’s positioning himself as the only leader capable of securing major deals with Saudi Arabia. If he runs in 2024, this visit becomes a campaign trophy: "I brought back the alliance. I made the deal."
How have human rights groups responded?
They’ve condemned it as moral bankruptcy. Amnesty International called the visit "a betrayal of Khashoggi’s legacy," while the Committee to Protect Journalists demanded a congressional investigation. The U.S. State Department has not issued an official statement, but internal memos leaked to Reuters show officials are divided — some see the investment as a win, others fear it legitimizes autocracy.