In a controversial display of support, President Donald Trump defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has faced international scrutiny over the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. During a meeting in the White House on Tuesday, Trump characterized Khashoggi, a U.S. resident and columnist for The Washington Post, as an “extremely controversial” figure, suggesting that public opinion about the journalist may influence perspectives on the incident.
As he welcomed the crown prince, Trump stated, “A lot of people didn’t like that gentleman that you’re talking about. Whether you like him or didn’t like him, things happened, but he (the prince) knew nothing about it.” This comment reflects Trump’s tendency to minimize the implications of Khashoggi’s murder, which has been a focal point of U.S.-Saudi relations.
Khashoggi was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, leading to widespread outrage and a diplomatic crisis. The details surrounding his murder, including allegations of dismemberment, sparked criticism of Saudi Arabia and placed pressure on international relations. While Trump previously expressed concern over the killing, his recent remarks shift focus back to fostering relations with the Saudi leadership.
In response to inquiries about Khashoggi’s murder, Prince Mohammed described the incident as “painful” and acknowledged it as a “huge mistake,” asserting that efforts are in place to prevent such events from occurring in the future. The crown prince attempted to distance himself from the incident, with Saudi officials claiming it was a rogue operation, not authorized by the leadership.
Trump’s defense of the prince extended beyond the Khashoggi incident. He praised Mohammed’s contributions to human rights and other initiatives, calling him a “very good friend” and highlighting the crown prince’s achievements. In this context, Trump chastised reporters for raising uncomfortable questions, asserting that they should “leave it at that” and not embarrass their guest.
This meeting marks a continuation of Trump’s supportive stance toward Saudi Arabia, emphasizing economic interests and geopolitical alliances over human rights concerns, a strategy that has drawn criticism from human rights advocates and lawmakers alike.
