Trump Hosts Lavish Dinner for Saudi Crown Prince Amid Controversy

US President Donald Trump recently hosted an extravagant dinner in honor of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who made his first visit to the United States in seven years following a period of diplomatic isolation. This visit comes in the wake of the contentious killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents in 2018, an event that had led to strained relations between the two countries. Among the notable guests at this prestigious White House event was football legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who has become synonymous with the Saudi football league since joining Al-Nassr on a staggering $200 million annual contract at the end of 2022. Ronaldo extended his stay with the club for another two years in June, further solidifying his presence in Saudi sports. During the dinner, Trump took the opportunity to introduce Ronaldo to his 19-year-old son Barron, stating that Barron likely gained a newfound respect for his father due to the introduction. The dinner also boasted other high-profile attendees, including Apple CEO Tim Cook, Tesla's Elon Musk, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The timing of the dinner aligns with efforts by both nations to strengthen their ties, especially given Prince Mohammed's first visit in years. Trump appeared eager to overlook controversial aspects of the Saudi regime, notably brushing aside inquiries regarding human rights violations and the Khashoggi case. When pressed by a reporter about the murder, Trump sharply rebuked her, labeling her question as 'fake news' and suggesting it was inappropriate to embarrass their guest with such an inquiry. The meeting between Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed was marked by a warm exchange, where Trump showered praise on the Crown Prince and heralded hundreds of billions of dollars in new Saudi investments in the US. This reflects a broader strategy to foster economic ties and cooperation between the two nations despite underlying issues concerning Saudi Arabia’s human rights record. As diplomatic relations continue to be forged and redefined, events like this dinner exemplify the complex interplay of politics, commerce, and international diplomacy. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2