Sema Fonkem 18/11/2025

I remember when Tom Sawyer tricked his friends to paint the wall, he made them believe his way was the most ideal and in exchange of their participation in the exercise, he received apples and other forms of appreciation from those deemed his allies.

Could US president Donald Trump be applying the Tom Sawyer theory through his recent support for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman?

Speaking at the Whitehouse oval office, Trump says Saudi’s de facto leader knows nothing about the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018.

While the Crown Prince called Khashoggi’s killing a “huge mistake” and continues to deny involvement, Trump says, there are many people who hated the Khashoggi.

“It’s painful and it’s a huge mistake,” Prince Mohammed said.

Trump’s acknowledgement of Prince Salman’s innocence in the assassination Khashoggi means that the US Intelligence report of 2021 which suggest the prince’s culpability has officially been shredded.

 “But (Prince Mohammed) knew nothing about it. And we can leave it at that. You don’t have to embarrass our guest by asking a question like that.” said Trump to a journalist in Prince Salman’s defense.

Wish you could have a list of people who did not like Khashoggi from Trump. Don’t you?

Like I said earlier, Trump’s support never comes for free. The Crown Prince has confirmed he will be increasing Saudi’s $600bn investment in the US to $1tn.

“That’s great,” Trump said, adding: “I appreciate that”.

When Israel and Hamas were at the climax of their conflict, Mr. Trump was busy negotiating a ceasefire while well focused on the Nobel Peace Prize.

In Ukraine, Mister man went for a profit split on reconstruction deals and mineral resources.

Did you hear Trump wants to render military support to Nigeria’s government to fight terrorism in Benue state, northern region of the country where Christians have been killed by herdsmen?

I am also curious to see what deal the mighty Trump wants from the Nigerian government.

Back to the oval meeting with Prince Salman, Trump announced Saudi Arabia has become a non-NATO ally. Just like every NATO member, the kingdom will benefit from security, defense, trade and cooperation.

“A stronger and more capable alliance will advance the interests of both countries,” Trump said. “And it will serve the highest interest of peace.” he added.

A day before Prince Salman’s arrival in the US, Trump hinted that his administration was willing to sell F-35 fighter jets to the kingdom. The deal which allows Saudi Arabia to purchase 300 tanks from the United States was concluded on Tuesday, November 18 2025 by both governments.

Trump’s inclusion of an influential nation like Saudi Arabia in the NATO environment and affairs will help strengthen peace in the Middle East region after two long years of the deadly conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

In regard to the peace resolution between Israel and Palestine, the Saudi prince believes that the two-state provision agreed on by Palestine Liberation Organisation during the 1982 Arab Summit is a suitable way forward but requires some scrutiny.

“We want to be part of the Abraham Accords, but we want also to be sure that we secure a clear path of a two-state solution,” Prince Mohammed said.

Other agreements signed by Trump’s administration and Prince Salman include cooperation on capital markets and critical minerals markets, fight against terrorism financing and money laundering.