WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Tuesday dismissed U.S. intelligence assessments suggesting that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman likely had a role in the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. This statement came as Trump welcomed the Saudi leader to the White House for his first visit in seven years. The relationship between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia had been strained following Khashoggi's killing, but Trump now emphasizes the importance of the crown prince in shaping the future of the Middle East.

During a meeting in the Oval Office, Trump stated, "Whether you like him or don’t like him, things happen. But he knew nothing about it. And we can leave it at that." This comment was made in response to a reporter's question about the intelligence findings, which indicated that the crown prince likely approved the operation that led to Khashoggi's death inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. These findings were declassified in 2021 at the beginning of the Biden administration, although Trump’s administration had previously withheld the report.

Crown Prince Mohammed has consistently denied any involvement in Khashoggi's death. He described the incident as a "huge mistake" and stated that Saudi Arabia had taken the necessary steps to investigate the matter. Trump also praised the crown prince for his efforts in advancing human rights in Saudi Arabia, although he did not provide specific examples.

In a significant announcement, the crown prince revealed that Saudi Arabia plans to increase its investments in the U.S. from $600 billion to $1 trillion. He referred to the U.S. as the "hottest country on the planet" for investment opportunities, emphasizing the long-term potential of these investments.

Trump's family has business interests in Saudi Arabia, including the recent announcement of Trump Plaza in Jeddah, which is a collaboration with a London real estate developer. When questioned about potential conflicts of interest, Trump asserted, "I have nothing to do with the family business."

The visit included a ceremonial welcome featuring a military flyover and a performance by the U.S. Marine Band. Although it was not a formal state visit, the crown prince has been managing the day-to-day affairs of the Saudi government due to his father's health issues.

Later in the day, Trump is expected to see the crown prince off but will return for an evening dinner at the White House, which will also include notable figures such as Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese soccer star.

In addition to the ceremonial aspects, the two nations are set to hold an investment summit at the Kennedy Center, featuring leaders from major companies like Salesforce, Qualcomm, and Pfizer. This summit aims to explore further business opportunities between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.

Ahead of the visit, Trump announced plans to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, despite concerns about the implications for U.S. military technology and Israel's security. This decision aligns with Trump's broader strategy to encourage Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel, a goal he has pursued since his first term.

The crown prince reiterated Saudi Arabia's position on the normalization of relations with Israel, stating that a clear path to Palestinian statehood must be established first. He emphasized the importance of a two-state solution during discussions with Trump.

During the visit, Saudi officials are also seeking formal assurances regarding U.S. military support. The crown prince aims to position Saudi Arabia as a global player while diversifying its economy beyond oil, with plans for significant investments in technology and tourism.

Human rights groups have urged the Trump administration to leverage its relationship with Saudi Arabia to advocate for human rights and press freedom. Activists have highlighted ongoing repression in the kingdom, including the arrest of dissenters and a rise in executions. Sarah Yager, Washington director at Human Rights Watch, stated, "U.S. officials should be pressing for change, not posing for photos."