Trump Defends Saudi Crown Prince Over Khashoggi Killing, Contradicts US Intelligence

Former President Donald Trump has publicly dismissed US intelligence findings on the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. He stated that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman knew nothing about the 2018 murder. Trump made these remarks during the Crown Prince’s visit to Washington.

This stance directly contradicts the official US intelligence assessment. The visit signals a warming of US-Saudi relations after a period of strain.

Trump’s Remarks on a “Painful Mistake”

President Trump welcomed the Saudi ruler warmly. He described the Crown Prince as an indispensable ally in the Middle East. Trump also characterized Khashoggi as an “extremely controversial” figure.

“Whether you like him or didn’t like him, things happen,” Trump said of the killing. He added that Prince Mohammed “knew nothing about it.” According to The Associated Press, this defense shields a key US partner from public embarrassment.

The Crown Prince himself addressed the killing. He stated Saudi Arabia “did all the right steps” to probe the death. He called the incident a “painful and huge mistake.”

US Intelligence and Human Rights Concerns

This defense clashes with established US intelligence. Officials determined the Crown Prince likely approved the murder. This finding was declassified in 2021 under the Biden administration.

Human rights groups have condemned Trump’s comments. They point to Saudi Arabia’s ongoing repression of dissent. This includes arrests of journalists and a rising number of executions.

Robert Weissman of Public Citizen linked the remarks to Trump’s business interests. He called the comments “shameful and disgusting.” The incident continues to be a major point of contention in US foreign policy.

The gap between Trump’s statements and the US intelligence community’s assessment on the Khashoggi killing highlights deep divisions in American foreign policy approaches. This reaffirms the complex relationship with a key Middle Eastern ally.

Thought you’d like to know

What did US intelligence conclude about the Khashoggi killing?

US intelligence agencies determined that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman likely approved the operation. This finding was based on declassified reports from 2021.

How did the Saudi Crown Prince respond to the allegations?

Prince Mohammed bin Salman has consistently denied any involvement. He stated that Saudi authorities conducted a proper investigation into the journalist’s death.

Why is Jamal Khashoggi a significant figure?

Khashoggi was a Saudi journalist and Washington Post columnist. He was a prominent critic of the Saudi government’s policies and leadership.

How have human rights groups reacted to Trump’s defense?

Rights organizations strongly criticized Trump’s remarks. They cited ongoing human rights concerns and political repression within Saudi Arabia.

What was the context of Trump’s statements?

The comments were made during the Saudi Crown Prince’s official visit to Washington. The meeting aimed to strengthen US-Saudi diplomatic and strategic ties.