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One-time President Trump has largely ignored the 2018 murder of journalist Khashoggi, describing him as an "highly divisive" figure that was unpopular.

White House Meeting alongside Saudi Arabian Leader

These comments were delivered during a White House meeting alongside Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, marking the prince's initial trip since Khashoggi's murder in Istanbul.

Intelligence officials determined that the prince had ordered the assassination, but Trump maintained that he "had no knowledge" of the incident.

The Former President's Reply to Journalist's Inquiry

Trump also criticized the reporter who asked about the topic, proposing that the media outlet should lose its broadcasting rights.

"A lot of individuals disliked that man you're talking about," Trump stated. "Irrespective of personal views, things occurred, yet he had no idea."

The crown prince replied, "It is distressing and it's a huge mistake, and we are doing our best to ensure it from happening again."

Economic Agreements and Military Transactions

The meeting further emphasized proposed Saudi Arabian spending in the United States, initially billed as $600 billion, however potentially expanded to a trillion-dollar sum.

The former president confirmed his intention to sell top-tier F-35 stealth fighter jets to Riyadh, in spite of concerns by Israeli officials and intelligence communities.

The two men also confirmed talks regarding a possible arrangement for the kingdom to establish ties with the Israeli government conditional on a Palestinian state.

Middle Eastern Tensions and Complications

The proposed fighter jet deal has raised alarm within Israel, which currently possesses the F-35 in the Middle East.

American spy agencies are also worried given Saudi Arabia's strong military cooperation with Beijing, bringing up concerns regarding security breaches.

Nevertheless, Trump insisted that the kingdom is entitled to the same top-level aircraft as Israel, noting their role as "good allies" of the United States.

Additional Agreements

Besides weapons sales, US officials noted plans of multibillion-dollar Saudi funding in America's AI sector, along with deeper collaboration in atomic energy development.

"We confirm our plan to boost that $600 billion to nearly $1 trillion," the crown prince stated.

Diplomatic Complications

The former president's government is aiming a nuclear and security arrangement with Saudi Arabia, which the current government previously attempted without success to finalize.

But, the ongoing situation, including the Hamas attack and ensuing bombardment in the region, have made difficult the prospects of normalization.

"Following the attacks, I believe the conditions for the kingdom to commit to relations with the Israelis has risen considerably," a former US Middle East negotiator commented.

Future Negotiations

"We desire to be part the Abraham Accords, however we additionally seek to secure a definite route for a two-state solution," the crown prince declared.

The former president echoed, noting, "We conducted a productive discussion on the Abraham Accords. We spoke about one state, two state."

"We covered about numerous issues briefly. We will continue it further," he continued. "Yet, in my view you possess a very good feeling regarding normalization."

Controversy Over Commercial Links

The meeting further contentious due to possible connections between the Trump family's financial activities with Gulf countries.

Trump denied the possibility of ethical concerns, asserting he has "withdrawn from his business empire" and dedicated "100% of his energy" to his role.

"I have no involvement regarding my family's enterprises," he stated. "Their actions is fine. They do business all over. They have minimal involvement with Saudi Arabia, in fact. I believe opportunities exist. Any dealings they've had has been successful."