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Trump defends Saudi crown prince over Khashoggi killing, threatens ABC News in White House meeting – as it happened

In a recent live blog, Donald Trump’s casual dismissal of journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s murder during a visit from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has sparked significant controversy. This visit, which took place at the White House, underscored the complex and often contentious relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia, particularly in light of Khashoggi’s gruesome killing in 2018. Critics have pointed out that Trump’s nonchalant attitude towards such a serious human rights issue reflects his administration’s broader approach to foreign policy, which often prioritizes economic interests over ethical considerations.

The backdrop of this meeting is particularly noteworthy given the ongoing business ties between the Trump Organization and Saudi Arabia. Recently, London-based real estate developer Dar Global announced plans to launch Trump Plaza in Jeddah, marking the second collaboration between the Trump Organization and the developer in the kingdom. This follows last year’s announcement of Trump Tower Jeddah, further entrenching the Trump family’s financial interests in the region. Such developments raise questions about the potential conflicts of interest that arise when personal business dealings intersect with diplomatic relations, especially in a country with a controversial human rights record.

Trump’s comments during the visit, which seemed to downplay the implications of Khashoggi’s murder, have been met with backlash from human rights advocates and political opponents alike. They argue that such dismissiveness not only undermines the pursuit of justice for Khashoggi but also signals to other authoritarian regimes that the U.S. may overlook human rights violations in exchange for economic gain. As the relationship between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia continues to evolve, the implications of these interactions—both political and personal—remain a focal point of discussion in the context of global diplomacy and ethical governance.