President Donald Trump has publicly dismissed U.S. intelligence findings that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. During a meeting in the Oval Office, Trump defended M.B.S., the de facto leader of Saudi Arabia, stating that the intelligence findings were politically motivated. The White House has expressed disagreement with the report, calling it inconsistent with previous assessments.
Trump’s defense of M.B.S. has raised questions about the administration’s stance on human rights and its relationship with Saudi Arabia. The incident has also sparked international debate, with many Western nations calling for accountability and transparency. The U.S. intelligence report, which was released in September 2018, has been a point of contention between the Trump administration and the intelligence community.
Saudi Arabia, a key U.S. ally in the Middle East, has consistently denied any involvement in the killing of Khashoggi. The kingdom has emphasized its commitment to regional stability and countering Iran’s influence, which has been a longstanding concern for the United States. The Trump administration’s decision to support M.B.S. underscores its strategic interests in maintaining a strong alliance with Saudi Arabia, despite the controversial allegations.