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One-time President Trump seemed to dismiss the killing of reporter Jamal Khashoggi, describing him as an "very contentious" person that was not well-liked.

White House Discussion alongside Saudi Crown Prince

The statements were delivered during a White House meeting alongside Prince Mohammed, marking the prince's initial trip after the journalist's death in Istanbul.

US intelligence assessed that Mohammed bin Salman was behind the killing, however Trump insisted that the crown prince "knew nothing" regarding it.

The Former President's Response to Journalist's Inquiry

Trump further rebuked the reporter who raised the matter, suggesting that the media outlet ought to forfeit its permit.

"A lot of individuals did not like that man you're talking about," the former president stated. "Regardless of your opinion, events unfolded, but he had no idea."

Prince Mohammed stated, "It is distressing and a major error, and we are doing our best to ensure it from happening again."

Economic Arrangements and Defense Sales

The discussion also highlighted planned Saudi Arabian spending in America, initially billed at six hundred billion dollars, though later increased to one trillion dollars.

Trump stated his intention to provide sophisticated F-35 planes to Saudi Arabia, in spite of objections by Israeli officials and US intelligence.

Both leaders also confirmed negotiations on a potential deal for Saudi Arabia to establish diplomatic links with the Israeli government in exchange for a sovereign Palestine.

Middle Eastern Tensions and Complications

The proposed sale of F-35s has raised anxiety in Israel, that is the only operator of the stealth fighter locally.

US intelligence are also worried because of Saudi Arabia's close security ties with the Chinese, raising concerns about security breaches.

However, the former president insisted that Saudi Arabia deserves the same top-level planes as Israel, noting them being "good allies" of America.

Broader Deals

Alongside weapons sales, US officials stated expectations of multibillion-dollar Saudi investment in America's artificial intelligence sector, plus deeper partnership in civil nuclear power initiatives.

"We can announce that we will raise the initial amount to nearly $1 trillion," Prince Mohammed announced.

Diplomatic Issues

The Trump team is also seeking a nuclear and security partnership deal with the kingdom, that the current government previously pursued without success to achieve.

But, current developments, such as the 2023 incident followed by subsequent bombardment in Gaza, have made difficult the chances of an agreement.

"Post-October 7, in my view the price for the kingdom to agree to normalization with the Israelis has increased significantly," a one-time US Middle East negotiator remarked.

Future Discussions

"We desire to join the diplomatic deals, but we also want to secure a definite route for a two-state solution," Prince Mohammed stated.

Trump concurred, saying, "We conducted a productive talk on the Abraham Accords. We talked about various options."

"We talked about numerous issues in a short time. We'll be discussing it further," he continued. "Yet, in my view you have a clear grasp of the agreements."

Controversy Regarding Commercial Links

The meeting was also contentious due to perceived overlap involving the former president's family financial activities with Gulf nations.

Trump denied any conflict of interest, asserting he had "stepped away from his companies" and committed "100% of his energy" to his role.

"I have no involvement to do with the family business," he remarked. "Their business dealings is permissible. They do business globally. Their activities are limited with Saudi Arabia, in fact. I believe they could do a lot. Whatever they have undertaken has been positive."