President Donald Trump addressed the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi, the Washington Post columnist, with a dismissive remark during a press briefing on Tuesday. When asked about the incident, Trump responded with the phrase ‘Things happen,’ a statement that has been used in his previous remarks on various controversies without providing further details. His aides remained silent, indicating the administration’s hesitation to offer a more substantial response. This approach has drawn criticism from some political analysts, who argue that it undermines the seriousness of the issue and could impact diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia.
The administration’s lack of official response has led to speculation about the White House’s stance on the matter. While some analysts suggest that Trump’s comments are meant to downplay the incident and avoid diplomatic tensions, others believe the administration is concerned about potential repercussions from Washington’s allies. Despite the absence of an official statement, the White House has not issued any formal sanctions against Saudi Arabia, indicating a cautious approach to handling the situation. The incident has sparked debates about the role of the U.S. in international affairs and the administration’s commitment to human rights issues.