• President Trump hosts Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, facing criticism over Khashoggi murder.
• Trump dismisses concerns about Khashoggi's assassination in a tense Oval Office meeting with reporters.
• The U.S. and Saudi Arabia announce major investment deals and military agreements during the meeting.
• Bernie Sanders criticizes Trump's treatment of Muslims during the event.
• Concerns over U.S. press freedom echoed as Trump rebukes reporters questioning the Saudi leader.

President Donald Trump rolled out extravagant displays of affection for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his visit, despite the long shadow cast by the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Senator Bernie Sanders criticized the President's actions on X, stating, “Trump dislikes Muslims, except those who are billionaire autocrats who can make his family even richer.” The reception included a military flyover and a gala, a stark contrast to the serious allegations against the crown prince, who has been implicated in Khashoggi's assassination according to U.S. intelligence reports, which Trump notably dismissed during the event, labeling questions about Khashoggi as inappropriate, according to Indiatimes, Vox, and Los Angeles Times.

During the meeting, tension escalated as Trump responded sharply to questions about Khashoggi’s death, saying, “You don’t have to embarrass our guest.” His efforts to downplay the significance of Khashoggi's murder echoed similar sentiments expressed shortly after the incident, drawing criticism from various political figures and the media. Trump’s comments reflected not only a disregard for U.S. intelligence assessments but also an alignment with the Saudi regime's narrative, portraying Khashoggi as an "enemy of the state." His statements highlighted a long-standing U.S. approach to its relationship with Saudi Arabia, where diplomatic and economic ties often overshadow concerns about human rights, according to Vox and Los Angeles Times.

As part of their discussion, the two leaders announced substantial investment deals, with Saudi Arabia pledging $1 trillion to the U.S. economy and committing to purchase military equipment, including sophisticated F-35 fighter jets. The investments come alongside plans to elevate Saudi Arabia’s status as a “major non-NATO ally,” which could facilitate future military cooperation. Critics point out that despite these lucrative dealings, the fundamental concerns surrounding Khashoggi's murder and ongoing human rights abuses within Saudi Arabia remain largely unaddressed by the Trump administration, signalling a troubling continuation of prioritizing economic interests over accountability, according to Indiatimes, Vox, and Los Angeles Times.

Trump's disdain for a free press was on full display during the event as he admonished reporters, reflecting a mutual contempt for media scrutiny similar to that held by the Saudi leadership. After the questioning from ABC News reporter Mary Bruce about Khashoggi's murder, Trump labeled her inquiry as “insubordinate” and indicated that news organizations should be punished for challenging him. This atmosphere underscores a climate where accountability is often secondary to the interests of powerful leaders, shining a light on the broader implications for press freedoms and democratic norms both in the U.S. and internationally, according to Indiatimes, Vox, and Los Angeles Times.