Trump Says U.S. to Stand by Saudis Despite Khashoggi Killing
- President says ‘we may never know’ crown prince’s role
- Senators move to force U.S. probe of prince’s involvement
This article is for subscribers only.
President Donald Trump said he won’t let the murder of U.S-based columnist Jamal Khashoggi jeopardize relations with Saudi Arabia, citing the potential impact on oil prices and Iranian influence in the Middle East.
In an unconventional statement on Tuesday headlined “America First!” Trump said he would stand by Saudi Arabia regardless of whether Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered Khashoggi’s death. The kingdom’s strategic importance, he argued, outweighs the “horrible crime” perpetrated against Khashoggi, a writer for the Washington Post and a critic of the crown prince.