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One-time President Trump has largely ignored the killing of columnist Khashoggi, calling him an "highly divisive" figure that was not well-liked.

White House Talks with Saudi Arabian Leader

The remarks were made throughout a White House meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, representing his first visit since the columnist's killing in Istanbul.

US intelligence determined that the Saudi leader had ordered the assassination, yet Trump maintained that he "knew nothing" about it.

Trump's Reply to Reporter's Question

Trump further rebuked the news professional who raised the matter, proposing that the broadcaster should lose its permit.

"Many people disliked that man you're talking about," Trump commented. "Irrespective of personal views, things occurred, yet he had no idea."

The crown prince replied, "It is distressing and it's a huge mistake, and we are working hard to stop such incidents in future."

Economic Deals and Military Transactions

The meeting further emphasized planned Saudi Arabian spending in the United States, first announced at six hundred billion dollars, but later increased to a trillion-dollar sum.

The former president stated his intention to sell top-tier F-35 stealth fighter jets to the Saudis, despite reservations by Israeli officials as well as US intelligence.

The pair additionally revealed negotiations regarding a possible deal for the kingdom to normalize relations with Tel Aviv in exchange for a sovereign Palestine.

Regional Issues and Challenges

The planned sale of F-35s has sparked alarm in Israel, which currently possesses the advanced plane in the Middle East.

American spy agencies are apprehensive due to the kingdom's close defense links with China, raising apprehensions over technology theft.

However, Trump insisted that the kingdom deserves equivalent high-grade aircraft as Tel Aviv, pointing to them being "strong partners" of the United States.

Broader Deals

Besides arms deals, American authorities mentioned expectations of multi-billion Saudi investment in the US artificial intelligence sector, as well as deeper partnership on nuclear energy initiatives.

"We confirm that we are increasing the proposed investment to almost one trillion," the Saudi leader stated.

Diplomatic Challenges

The former president's government is also seeking a nuclear and security cooperation agreement with Riyadh, that the Biden administration had tried without success to achieve.

But, the ongoing situation, including the 2023 incident followed by later Israeli military actions in Gaza, have made difficult the prospects of normalization.

"Post-October 7, I believe the conditions for the kingdom to commit to normalization with the Israelis has risen substantially," a one-time American diplomat remarked.

Prospective Talks

"We want to participate the normalization agreements, however we additionally seek to secure a concrete plan for Palestinian sovereignty," the Saudi leader remarked.

Trump concurred, noting, "We've had an excellent talk about diplomatic ties. We spoke about potential solutions."

"We covered about a lot in a short time. We will continue more details," Trump added. "But I think you possess a clear grasp regarding normalization."

Criticism Over Commercial Links

The encounter additionally disputed because of alleged overlap involving Trump's relatives private business interests with Gulf nations.

Trump rejected the possibility of conflict of interest, stating he had "withdrawn from his business empire" and dedicated "full attention" to governing.

"I am not connected regarding their commercial activities," he stated. "Their actions is fine. They do business globally. They have minimal involvement with Saudi Arabia, in fact. I believe opportunities exist. Whatever they have undertaken has been very good."