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President Donald Trump welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House on Monday, November 17th, for a high-profile meeting that included both strategic announcements and sharp questions from reporters. The session highlighted the ongoing tensions between geopolitical interests and human rights concerns.
But the moment that truly stole the spotlight came when, during a press conference inside the Oval Office, ABC News correspondent Mary Bruce cut straight to the controversy, asking President Trump whether his personal business dealings in Saudi Arabia posed a conflict of interest. She didn’t stop there; she also pressed the crown prince on the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and on why many 9/11 families were outraged to see him welcomed in Washington.
Trump appeared visibly irritated, calling ABC News a “fake news” outlet, "the worst in the business," and defending the prince. “A lot of people didn’t like that gentleman… but he knew nothing about it, and we can leave it at that,” Trump said.
The crown prince responded directly, calling Khashoggi’s murder “painful” and “a huge mistake,” while emphasizing efforts to ensure such an incident does not happen again. He also sought to address outrage from some 9/11 victims’ families, pointing out that Osama bin Laden, not Saudi officials, orchestrated the attacks.
HOLY SHIT, major props to this ABC News reporter for hitting trump and MBS with hard-hitting questions, despite their weak sauce answers.
— BrooklynDad_Defiant!(@mmpadellan) November 18, 2025
This press briefing of a lying convict sexual deviant and a murderer is a disgrace. Don't go easy on them. pic.twitter.com/nX3jiZCWWJ
Strategic Gains for the U.S.
Despite the tensions, the visit produced substantial gains for the United States:
- Defense and Security: The two leaders discussed potential U.S. sales of advanced fighter jets and other military equipment.
- Investment Pledge: Bin Salman announced plans to increase Saudi investment in the U.S., totaling up to $1 trillion.
- Technology Cooperation: Agreements were signed to collaborate on critical minerals, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies.
- Energy and Nuclear: Discussions included potential transfers of U.S. nuclear technology, though no firm timeline was set.
Human Rights Backlash
Critics were quick to express concern. Khashoggi’s killing remains a flashpoint, and some 9/11 families voiced outrage that the crown prince was being hosted without full accountability. Yet, the administration stressed the meeting was aimed at strengthening strategic, economic, and defense ties.
*Source: ABC News
