DEVELOPING: Trump Defends Saudi Crown Prince Amid Khashoggi Murder Allegations

Breaking News: Trump Defends Saudi Crown Prince Amid Khashoggi Murder Allegations President Trump has defended Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Oval Office, despite CIA findings suggesting the prince authorized the killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. Trump made the comments on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, during a bilateral meeting with the crown prince. Trump stated that Khashoggi was "extremely controversial" and that "things happen," implying that the prince was not directly involved in the journalist's murder. The Saudi government has consistently denied any involvement of the crown prince in the killing. The CIA has previously concluded that the crown prince ordered the operation that led to Khashoggi's death, a claim that Saudi Arabia has repeatedly denied. Trump's comments have sparked widespread criticism and raised questions about the US-Saudi relationship. The meeting between Trump and the crown prince comes as Saudi Arabia continues to face international pressure over its human rights record and the Khashoggi murder. The kingdom has implemented reforms aimed at improving its human rights situation, but critics argue that more needs to be done. This is a developing story, with ongoing coverage and updates as more information becomes available.