Former US President Donald Trump sparked significant controversy after publicly defending Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) during the latter’s high-profile visit to the White House. When confronted with questions regarding the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Trump dismissed concerns and intelligence assessments by remarking that “things happen,” a phrase that quickly ignited debate across global political and human-rights circles.

Trump’s comments came during a press interaction where a reporter directly questioned the Crown Prince’s alleged involvement in Khashoggi’s assassination inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Rather than addressing the findings of US intelligence agencies—which concluded that MBS was likely aware of or involved in authorizing the operation—Trump defended the Saudi leader. He suggested that the Crown Prince “knew nothing about it” and criticized the timing of the question, stating that the reporter “didn’t need to embarrass our guest.”

The Crown Prince himself called the killing “painful” and described it as a “huge mistake,” while emphasizing that Saudi Arabia had since strengthened internal systems to ensure such incidents would not be repeated. His remarks attempted to frame the killing as an isolated error rather than a deliberate operation, though international critics remain unconvinced.

The reaction to Trump’s defense was swift. Human rights advocates, journalists, and political analysts criticized the casual nature of the phrase “things happen,” arguing that it trivialized a brutal killing that sparked global outrage. Khashoggi’s murder—carried out by a Saudi hit team—was widely viewed as one of the most shocking attacks on press freedom in recent decades. For many, Trump’s comments underscored a longstanding criticism that strategic and economic interests often overshadow human rights concerns within US foreign policy.

Analysts note that the political and economic relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia has always been influential, particularly in areas of defense, energy, and investment. Trump’s warm approach to MBS, especially during a period when the Crown Prince is attempting to rehabilitate his image on the world stage, reinforces the perception that Washington is willing to look past the controversy for the sake of geopolitical stability and economic benefit.

Trump’s past dealings with the Saudi leadership have also faced scrutiny, with critics pointing to his frequent praise for the kingdom’s investments in US infrastructure and technology. His recent remarks have further opened him to accusations of prioritizing diplomatic convenience over justice and accountability.

As Khashoggi’s widow and international rights organizations renewed their calls for accountability, Trump’s defense stands as a reminder of the political complexities surrounding the case. The incident highlights a broader pattern: in international diplomacy, moral responsibility often becomes secondary to strategic alliances. The latest exchange has reignited debate on how the US balances its values with realpolitik, and whether justice for Jamal Khashoggi will ever be fully addressed.