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Ex-President Trump appeared to shrug off the killing of journalist Khashoggi, describing him as an "highly divisive" person who was disliked.

White House Meeting with Saudi Arabian Leader

The statements were made amid a White House gathering with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, representing the prince's initial trip since Khashoggi's murder abroad.

American spy agencies had previously concluded that the prince was behind the operation, yet Trump insisted that he "had no knowledge" about it.

The Former President's Response to Journalist's Question

Donald Trump additionally attacked the reporter who brought up the issue, suggesting that the broadcaster should lose its license.

"Many people were not fond of that man you are referring to," Trump remarked. "Irrespective of personal views, things occurred, yet he knew nothing."

Prince Mohammed stated, "It hurts and a major error, and we are working hard to stop such incidents in future."

Economic Arrangements and Military Sales

The meeting also highlighted promised Saudi spending in the United States, first announced as $600 billion, though later increased to a trillion-dollar sum.

The former president announced his aim to supply sophisticated F-35 aircraft to the Saudis, notwithstanding concerns by Israeli officials and intelligence communities.

Both leaders further acknowledged talks regarding a possible deal for Saudi Arabia to formalize relations with the Israeli government in exchange for a two-state solution.

Middle Eastern Concerns and Complications

The proposed F-35 transaction has sparked alarm in Israel, which is the only operator of the advanced plane in the Middle East.

Intelligence officials have expressed concern due to the kingdom's extensive security ties with the Chinese, raising concerns about intellectual property risks.

Nevertheless, Trump insisted that Riyadh is entitled to the same top-level jets as Israel, noting them being "good allies" of the United States.

Broader Agreements

Alongside weapons sales, administration representatives mentioned plans of multi-billion Saudi Arabian funding in the US AI sector, as well as greater partnership on atomic energy projects.

"We can announce our plan to boost the initial amount to around a trillion dollars," the Saudi leader declared.

Diplomatic Complications

The Trump team is additionally pursuing a nuclear and security arrangement with the kingdom, which the current government previously attempted without success to achieve.

However, current developments, including the Hamas attack followed by later bombardment in the region, have made difficult the chances of an agreement.

"Post-October 7, I believe the price for Saudi to sign up to relations with Israel has risen considerably," a former US Middle East negotiator stated.

Future Discussions

"We wish to be part the normalization agreements, yet we additionally seek to secure a clear path toward Palestinian statehood," the Saudi leader remarked.

The former president echoed, stating, "We held a very good talk regarding normalization. We talked about one state, two state."

"We covered about numerous issues in a short time. We plan to explore more details," Trump concluded. "However, I believe you have a very good feeling of the agreements."

Debate Regarding Business Interests

The visit additionally contentious due to alleged connections between the former president's family private business interests with Gulf states.

Trump dismissed the possibility of ethical concerns, claiming he had "relinquished control from his companies" and devoted "full attention" to governing.

"I have no involvement regarding their commercial activities," he remarked. "What my family does is permissible. They do business all over. Their activities are limited with Saudi Arabia, in fact. I believe they could do a lot. Whatever they have undertaken has been very good."