President Donald Trump hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House on Tuesday, marking the prince's first visit since the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The meeting was celebrated with a grand ceremony, including a military honor guard and a flyover by U.S. warplanes.

During the visit, Trump acknowledged the Khashoggi incident, calling it a "huge mistake" but downplayed its significance, stating, "Whether you like him or didn’t like him, things happen." He emphasized that the crown prince had no prior knowledge of the operation that led to Khashoggi's death, which U.S. intelligence agencies believe he likely directed.

The meeting comes after a period of strained relations between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia due to the Khashoggi killing. However, Trump has reaffirmed his support for the crown prince, viewing him as a key player in Middle Eastern politics. The two leaders discussed various topics, including a potential $1 trillion investment from Saudi Arabia into the U.S., up from a previously planned $600 billion.

Trump also announced plans to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, despite concerns about the implications for U.S. military technology. This deal is part of a broader strategy to encourage Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel, a move that has been met with caution from both sides.

The crown prince's visit is not classified as a state visit, as he is not the head of state. However, it included a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office and a lunch. The two leaders are expected to discuss security assurances for Saudi Arabia and the ongoing situation in Gaza, among other issues.

Human rights groups have urged the Trump administration to address Saudi Arabia's record on human rights during this visit, highlighting ongoing repression and a rise in executions within the kingdom. Activists have called for concrete commitments from Saudi authorities regarding human rights and press freedom.

As part of the day's events, soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays in the Saudi Pro League, was also expected to attend the White House meeting, adding a touch of celebrity to the diplomatic proceedings. The visit underscores the complex relationship between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, balancing economic interests with pressing human rights concerns.