U.S. President Donald Trump (left) and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman REUTERS/Jessica Koscielniak

U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed his defence of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a White House meeting on Tuesday (Nov. 18), insisting that the crown prince was not aware of the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. His comments contrasted with earlier U.S. intelligence assessments.

Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist and former Al Watan editor who went into exile in 2017, was known for his criticism of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as well as the Saudi-led war in Yemen.  He was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on 2 October 2018. Saudi authorities later acknowledged it was a premeditated killing, and U.S. intelligence concluded the crown prince approved the operation.

The meeting marked bin Salmanโ€™s first White House visit in more than seven years.

Key developments:

โ€ข Trump said the crown prince โ€œknew nothingโ€ about the killing, Bin Salman called the incident โ€œpainfulโ€ and a โ€œhuge mistake,โ€.

โ€ข Salman promised on Tuesday to increase his country’s U.S. investment to $1 trillion from a $600 billion pledge he made when Trump visited Saudi Arabia in May.

โ€ข Trump said Riyadh would purchase U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets.

โ€ข Talks advanced defence cooperation, civil nuclear engagement, and regional diplomacy.

โ€ข Trump reported a โ€œpositive responseโ€ on potential Saudiโ€“Israel normalisation, with bin Salman maintaining his condition of a path to Palestinian statehood.

โ„น๏ธ The White House, Reuters

Follow on social media TikTok@tut0ugh Instagram@tut0ugh Threads@tut0ugh X@tut0ugh YouTube@tut0ugh

Click to subscribe to the Weekly Brief by tut0ugh

About tut0ugh โ€“ Global Events, Geopolitics & World News

tut0ugh is an independent media platform dedicated to providing clear, accurate, and timely coverage of global events, geopolitics, and international affairs. In a world where information travels quickly and narratives compete for attention, understanding the broader context behind headlines is more important than ever. tut0ugh aims to empower readers with knowledge, insight, and perspective, helping audiences navigate complex global developments with confidence.

Mission

The mission of tut0ugh is to connect individual events to the wider forces shaping the world. From diplomacy and security to trade, alliances, and conflicts, our goal is to provide analysis and context that explain not only what happens but why it matters. By highlighting trends, patterns, and historical precedents, tut0ugh equips readers to understand the implications of decisions, agreements, crises, and conflicts on a global scale. Our content is crafted for clarity, ensuring that both casual readers and specialists can benefit from our reporting.

Editorial Approach

tut0ugh prioritises accuracy, transparency, and independence. All information is sourced from verified and credible outlets, including official statements, reputable media, academic research, and direct reporting. We aim to fact-check rigorously before publication and correct any errors promptly, maintaining transparency for our audience. Opinion and analysis pieces are clearly labeled to distinguish them from straight reporting, allowing readers to separate commentary from factual coverage.

Our coverage spans six main categories: Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Americas, Europe, Africa, and Global developments. This structure allows readers to explore regional and international issues, compare perspectives, and understand how local events influence wider geopolitical trends. By offering both regional and global context, tut0ugh ensures readers can make informed judgments about the forces shaping the modern world.

Why Context Matters

No event exists in isolation. Whether itโ€™s a diplomatic negotiation in Europe, a trade dispute in Asia, or security developments in the Middle East, understanding the wider context is essential. tut0ugh connects individual stories to the larger narrative of international affairs, providing insight into how policies, conflicts, and agreements impact nations, societies, and global stability. Our aim is to provide readers with the tools to interpret the news critically, seeing beyond immediate headlines and short news cycles.

Trust, Transparency & Ethics

tut0ugh operates with editorial independence and integrity. We do not represent governments, political parties, or corporate interests. Editorial decisions are made in the public interest, free from external influence. All content is clearly attributed, with publication dates and author information provided for accountability. When corrections are necessary, they are noted transparently.

Privacy and responsible data usage are integral to our approach. tut0ugh does not sell or trade personal information and employs measures to protect user data. Readers can trust that our platform is designed to deliver information responsibly, ethically, and without bias.

Reader Value

tut0ugh is not only about reporting events; it is about providing meaningful context, helping readers understand global trends, and fostering a more informed public. Whether tracking political developments, economic shifts, humanitarian crises, or security issues, our content explains the โ€œwhyโ€ behind the news. By consistently delivering well-researched, accessible, and insightful reporting, tut0ugh empowers readers to engage with global affairs confidently.

Stay Connected

Readers are encouraged to explore our full range of coverage, from regional pages like Europe, Middle East, and Asia-Pacific to thematic global insights. Follow tut0ugh on social media, subscribe for updates, and consider contributing as a guest author to join a growing community of informed, engaged readers. By connecting with tut0ugh, audiences gain reliable, context-driven news coverage that prioritises accuracy, transparency, and understanding. –

U.S. President Donald Trump (left) and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman REUTERS/Jessica Koscielniak
U.S. President Donald Trump (left) and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman REUTERS/Jessica Koscielniak
Trump defends Saudi crown prince over killing of Khashoggi as they hold talks in Washington
Trump defends Saudi crown prince over killing of Khashoggi as they hold talks in Washington
Posted in