Post by : Rameen Ariff

US President Donald Trump has come to the defense of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, asserting that he was not involved in the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, despite contrary conclusions drawn by US intelligence agencies. This regarding statement was made by Trump during a session with reporters, showcasing the contentious legacy of Khashoggi while underscoring Saudi Arabia’s economic significance to the United States.

Questioning the ability to definitively assess the crown prince's culpability, Trump remarked, "Whether you like him or not, things occur. But he was unaware of it." He further criticized reporters for probing into the matter, indicating a robust defense of the Saudi leader.

Following Khashoggi's murder at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Trump has persistently favored the crown prince's denials, opting to trust Riyadh's narratives over agency assessments. He characterized Khashoggi, a columnist for the Washington Post, as "somebody that stirred controversy," suggesting that many held unfavorable views of him, thereby diminishing Khashoggi's impact.

Trump has highlighted the strategic and economic bond with Saudi Arabia, mentioning defense contracts, job creation, and trade perks as justifications for a solid alliance. In the aftermath of Khashoggi's assassination, he expressed reluctance to interrupt the significant financial investments flowing into the US from Saudi Arabia, boosting the kingdom’s role as a crucial partner in employment and business prospects.

In 2018, Trump tweeted about his conversation with the crown prince, who “completely denied any knowledge” of the events that transpired in the Turkish consulate. He also mentioned during a Fox News interview that it was uncertain if anyone could conclusively establish the crown prince’s part, even while acknowledging potential involvement from individuals closely associated with him.

Despite classified reports suggesting the crown prince's participation, Trump has upheld the necessity of US-Saudi relations, coining the episode a "terrible tragedy” while reinforcing that the kingdom has repudiated any knowledge regarding the murder. He also observed that the CIA hadn't authentically confirmed the crown prince's involvement, leaving ambiguity in his public declarations.

Trump’s defense of the crown prince has faced backlash, particularly from those advocating for accountability in Khashoggi's murder. His stance continually prioritizes US-Saudi economic relationships while framing the incident as more of an unfortunate occurrence rather than a direct indictment of the crown prince.

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