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One-time President Donald Trump seemed to dismiss the assassination of reporter Jamal Khashoggi, describing him as an "extremely controversial" person who was disliked.

White House Talks with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince

The remarks came amid a White House gathering alongside Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, representing his first visit after the journalist's death in Istanbul.

American spy agencies assessed that the Saudi leader had ordered the killing, however Trump insisted that the prince "had no knowledge" about it.

The Former President's Reaction to Journalist's Question

Trump further rebuked the reporter who brought up the issue, proposing that the network should lose its permit.

"Numerous folks were not fond of that person you're talking about," Trump commented. "Irrespective of personal views, events unfolded, yet he had no idea."

The Saudi leader replied, "It's painful and a significant blunder, and we are doing our best to stop it from happening again."

Economic Deals and Military Sales

The talks also highlighted promised Saudi Arabian investment in America, initially billed as $600 billion, though potentially expanded to $1 trillion.

The former president stated his intention to sell advanced F-35 planes to Saudi Arabia, notwithstanding objections from the Israeli government as well as US intelligence.

Both leaders additionally revealed negotiations on a potential deal for Riyadh to formalize diplomatic links with the Israeli government conditional on a Palestinian state.

Middle Eastern Concerns and Complications

The potential fighter jet deal has raised alarm among Israeli officials, that currently possesses the stealth fighter in the region.

American spy agencies are apprehensive because of the kingdom's extensive security ties with Beijing, raising fears regarding technology theft.

Nonetheless, the former president insisted that Saudi Arabia should receive comparable top-level aircraft as Tel Aviv, citing their status as "good allies" of the US.

Broader Arrangements

Besides arms deals, US officials mentioned expectations for multibillion-dollar Saudi investment in the US AI industry, as well as enhanced cooperation in nuclear energy initiatives.

"We are pleased to state our plan to boost that $600 billion to almost one trillion," the Saudi leader stated.

Diplomatic Complications

The Trump government is additionally pursuing a energy and safety arrangement with the kingdom, that President Biden's team had tried without success to finalize.

Yet, recent events, including the 2023 incident followed by later operations in Gaza, have made difficult the likelihood of normalization.

"After October 7, I think the conditions for the kingdom to agree to diplomatic ties with the Israelis has gone up significantly," a one-time US Middle East negotiator remarked.

Prospective Negotiations

"We want to participate the diplomatic deals, yet we require to secure a concrete plan toward Palestinian statehood," the crown prince stated.

The former president concurred, stating, "We conducted a productive conversation regarding normalization. We discussed about potential solutions."

"We covered about numerous issues quickly. We plan to explore it further," he continued. "However, I believe you possess a strong understanding for the Abraham Accords."

Criticism Over Financial Ties

The meeting further controversial due to perceived overlap involving the former president's family private business interests with Middle Eastern nations.

The former president dismissed any impropriety, stating he has "withdrawn from his enterprises" while committed "all his efforts" to his role.

"I have nothing regarding my family's enterprises," he said. "What my family does is permissible. They work globally. They've done very little in the kingdom, actually. I'm sure opportunities exist. And anything they've done has been successful."