In a controversial meeting at the White House, US President Donald Trump downplayed the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, admonishing reporters for questioning Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about the incident. The encounter took place during the crown prince’s first visit to Washington since 2018, a visit marked by elaborate ceremonies and a formal dinner.
Khashoggi, a critic of the Saudi regime who wrote for The Washington Post, was murdered inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018. The Central Intelligence Agency concluded that Mohammed bin Salman ordered the killing, a claim initially denied by Saudi Arabia, which later attributed the murder to rogue operatives.
Trump’s Response to Journalists
During a meeting in the Oval Office, President Trump rebuked an ABC News journalist for raising the issue of Khashoggi’s murder, describing the journalist as “extremely controversial.” Trump further disputed the CIA’s assessment, asserting, “Whether you like him or didn’t like him, things happen. But he [Mohammed bin Salman] knew nothing about it, and we can leave it at that.”
The president’s comments have sparked criticism, given the gravity of the allegations against the Saudi leader. Khashoggi’s murder has remained a contentious issue in the US, with ongoing debates about human rights and international accountability.
Saudi Arabia’s Stance
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, while acknowledging the incident as a “huge mistake,” defended Saudi Arabia’s actions post-murder. “We did all the right steps of investigation in Saudi Arabia, and we’ve improved our system to be sure that nothing happens like that,” he stated, emphasizing efforts to prevent future incidents.
Despite the controversy, the meeting proceeded with discussions on various topics, including a significant arms deal.
Arms Deal and Diplomatic Relations
President Trump confirmed the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a deal not contingent on Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords to normalize relations with Israel. Mohammed bin Salman expressed openness to the accords, contingent on progress towards a two-state solution in Palestine.
The sale of these advanced jets marks a departure from the US’s usual practice of restricting F-35 sales to close allies, such as NATO members, Australia, and Japan. Trump dismissed concerns about potential Israeli opposition, stating, “Israel’s aware and they’re going to be very happy.”
Business Ties and Conflicts of Interest
Amidst these diplomatic developments, questions have arisen about Trump’s business interests in Saudi Arabia. While Trump claims no involvement in the Trump Organisation’s operations, his family maintains substantial business ties with the kingdom. Notably, a fund led by Mohammed bin Salman invested $2 billion in a private equity firm owned by Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
Additionally, a new Trump-branded hotel project in the Maldives, announced by Saudi developer Dar Global, highlights ongoing business collaborations. Trump has downplayed these connections, stating, “What my family does is fine; they do business all over. They’ve done very little with Saudi Arabia really.”
Controversy and Criticism
The meeting and its surrounding events have drawn widespread criticism, not only for the handling of the Khashoggi question but also for Trump’s recent conduct towards journalists. On a separate occasion, Trump faced backlash for telling a female journalist to “quiet, piggy” during a flight to his Mar-a-Lago resort.
As the US-Saudi relationship continues to evolve, these events underscore the complex interplay of diplomacy, business interests, and human rights concerns. The implications of these developments will likely influence future US foreign policy and international relations.
