The BRICS TimesThe 2021 US intelligence report clearly stated that the Crown Prince approved Khashoggi’s killing. Following this, the Biden administration issued the ‘Khashoggi Policy.’
President Donald Trump rejected a US intelligence agency report. This happened during his meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) at the White House. The report claimed MBS approved the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. However, Trump stated that MBS had no knowledge of this matter.
Trump Lashes Out at Reporter’s Question
An ABC News reporter asked Trump why the US public should trust him. This was because US agencies considered the Crown Prince responsible for Khashoggi’s murder. Trump quickly interrupted the question in anger. “You are fake news,” he snapped. “You are referring to a very controversial person.” He added, “The gentleman (Khashoggi) you are talking about was disliked by many people.” Trump continued, “Whether you like him or not, things happen.” He firmly stated, “But the Crown Prince knew nothing about it.” Finally, he concluded, “We can leave it at that. You don’t need to embarrass our guest with such a question.”
Crown Prince Calls It a ‘Painful Mistake’
MBS also responded to the inquiry. He described the killing as “painful.” He said any life lost needlessly or unlawfully is a very saddening event. According to the Crown Prince, Saudi Arabia has reformed its systems. This is to ensure such a mistake does not happen again.
Trump Praises Human Rights Efforts
Trump went on to applaud MBS’s human rights reforms. Yet, he did not provide any specific examples. He mentioned, “I am very proud of the work they have done.” He added, “They have done amazing work in many areas, including human rights.”
Biden Changed His Strategy After Initial Distance
During his 2020 election campaign, Joe Biden called Saudi Arabia a ‘pariah’ nation. After becoming President, he kept his distance from the Crown Prince. However, oil prices rose sharply during the 2022 Russia-Ukraine war. This forced Biden to mend relations. He traveled to Jeddah that July. There he met MBS and requested increased oil production.
Grand Welcome and Major Investment Announcement
Trump gave the Crown Prince a grand welcome at the White House. This was not an official state visit. This is because the Crown Prince is not formally the head of state. Yet, he is governing in place of his ailing father. During this visit, MBS announced increasing investment in the US. The plan is to boost it from $600 billion to $1 trillion. He described the US as “the world’s most attractive country for investment.”
US Intelligence Report’s Clear Warning
The US intelligence report released in 2021 was explicit. It stated the Crown Prince had approved Khashoggi’s assassination. Subsequently, the Biden administration introduced the ‘Khashoggi Policy.’ This policy imposes visa restrictions on foreign officials targeting journalists and activists.
