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One-time President Trump appeared to shrug off the assassination of columnist Jamal Khashoggi, labeling him an "very contentious" person that was unpopular.

White House Talks with Saudi Crown Prince

The remarks came during a White House meeting alongside the Saudi crown prince, representing the prince's initial trip since the journalist's death in Turkey.

US intelligence determined that the prince had ordered the killing, but the former president stated that the crown prince "had no knowledge" regarding it.

Trump's Reaction to Reporter's Inquiry

Donald Trump also criticized the journalist who brought up the matter, suggesting that the media outlet ought to forfeit its license.

"Many people were not fond of that man you mention," the former president stated. "Regardless of your opinion, things occurred, but he knew nothing."

The crown prince stated, "It's painful and a significant blunder, and we are striving to ensure it from happening again."

Financial Arrangements and Defense Transactions

The discussion further emphasized promised Saudi funding in America, first announced at six hundred billion dollars, though potentially expanded to a trillion-dollar sum.

Trump announced his aim to supply sophisticated F-35 aircraft to the Saudis, in spite of reservations from the Israeli government as well as intelligence communities.

The pair further acknowledged negotiations on a potential arrangement for Saudi Arabia to establish ties with Israel in exchange for a Palestinian state.

Middle Eastern Tensions and Challenges

The planned fighter jet deal has sparked concern within Israel, which has exclusive access to the F-35 in the Middle East.

US intelligence are also worried given Riyadh's close defense links with the Chinese, raising fears about technology theft.

Nevertheless, the former president insisted that Riyadh deserves equivalent advanced specification aircraft as Tel Aviv, noting them being "strong partners" of America.

Additional Deals

Besides military transactions, administration representatives stated plans of massive Saudi Arabian funding in America's AI sector, plus greater cooperation in atomic energy projects.

"We can announce our plan to boost that $600 billion to around a trillion dollars," the crown prince stated.

Diplomatic Complications

The former president's team is aiming an atomic and defense cooperation agreement with the kingdom, that President Biden's team previously pursued unsuccessfully to finalize.

Yet, recent events, including the 2023 incident and ensuing bombardment in Palestinian territories, have made difficult the chances of normalization.

"After October 7, I think the price for Riyadh to agree to relations with Israel has risen substantially," an ex- US Middle East negotiator remarked.

Future Discussions

"We desire to be part the normalization agreements, but we require to ensure a clear path toward Palestinian statehood," the Saudi leader declared.

Trump echoed, saying, "We conducted an excellent discussion about diplomatic ties. We discussed about various options."

"We covered about many topics briefly. We'll be discussing additional aspects," he added. "Yet, in my view you possess a very good feeling regarding normalization."

Debate Over Financial Ties

The meeting was also contentious because of perceived links between the Trump family's financial activities with Gulf states.

Trump dismissed the possibility of conflict of interest, stating he has "stepped away from his business empire" while dedicated "full attention" to governing.

"I am not connected to do with my family's enterprises," he said. "Their business dealings is permissible. They do business globally. Their activities are limited with Riyadh, actually. I believe they could do a lot. And anything they've done has been positive."