Kingdom’s de facto ruler to arrive on first White House trip since killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018
Donald Trump is to welcome Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, Mohammed bin Salman to Washington on Tuesday, in a red-carpet visit expected to result in the sale of highly advanced US F-35 fighter jets to the Gulf monarchy.
The crown prince’s arrival in Washington will be his first White House visit since the 2018 killing of the Washington Post journalist and critic of the kingdom Jamal Khashoggi. The CIA later determined Khashoggi’s murder was approved by the crown prince, leading to global condemnation.
Trump has rehabilitated the relationship, and is expected to announce billions of dollars in deals with the 40-year-old prince, whose father, King Salman, is 89 and has retreated from public view.
The US and Saudi leaders will hold discussions and end the day with a White House dinner, organised by the first lady, Melania Trump.
