Trump Dismisses Khashoggi Intelligence, Backs Saudi Prince, and Attacks ABC News
President Trump defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman against U.S. intelligence linking him to Jamal Khashoggi's murder, praising Saudi Arabia and criticizing critical reporters.
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Overview
- President Trump rejected U.S. intelligence reports, including from the CIA, implicating Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
- Trump warmly welcomed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House, praising Saudi human rights progress without specifics, despite intelligence linking him to Khashoggi's murder.
- Trump confirmed the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia during a White House meeting, despite internal Pentagon and expert concerns about the Crown Prince's alleged involvement.
- Trump angrily dismissed questions about Khashoggi's murder from ABC News correspondent Mary Bruce, criticizing her as a 'terrible reporter' and threatening the network's broadcasting license.
- Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pledged to increase Saudi financial commitments to the U.S. to $1 trillion, while Trump defended him and his family's business operations.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources are neutral in their coverage of this story, focusing on factual reporting of the confrontation between President Trump and ABC News correspondent Mary Bruce. They detail the specific questions asked, Trump's strong reactions, and his subsequent threats against the network, without injecting editorial opinion or taking a side on the dispute.
"Elatr said she was "disappointed" to hear Mr. Trump describing her husband in a way that "kind of justifies a crime.""
CBS News"Trump later criticized Bruce for asking the prince a “horrible, insubordinate and just a terrible question.”"
Chicago Tribune"It’s better for the United States to have a friendly relationship with Saudi Arabia."
Semafor"Trump dismissed concerns about bin Salman's alleged role in the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi."
USA TODAY"Trump later criticized Bruce for asking the prince a “horrible, insubordinate and just a terrible question.”"
Associated Press"Trump greeted Prince Mohammed at the White House’s South Lawn entrance with a handshake and arm slung over the prince’s shoulder."
Associated Press"But seven years later, the dark clouds over the relationship have been cleared away."
Chicago TribuneArticles (17)
Center (7)
FAQ
U.S. intelligence agencies, including the CIA, concluded that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman approved the capture or killing of Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. The declassified report released in 2021 stated that the crown prince's inner circle played direct roles in the operation.
President Trump defended the crown prince by emphasizing the importance of the U.S.-Saudi relationship, downplaying the intelligence findings, and stating that the investigation was ongoing. He also praised Saudi Arabia's human rights progress and highlighted strategic and economic interests.
The international community widely condemned Khashoggi's murder. The Biden administration introduced the 'Khashoggi policy,' imposing visa sanctions on individuals targeting dissidents and journalists. Previous U.S. administrations, including Trump's, faced criticism for not sanctioning the crown prince directly.
President Trump confirmed the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia during a White House meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, despite concerns from the Pentagon and experts about the crown prince's alleged involvement in Khashoggi's murder.
President Trump dismissed questions about Khashoggi's murder from ABC News correspondent Mary Bruce, criticizing her as a 'terrible reporter' and threatening the network's broadcasting license.
History
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5 articles