President Donald J. Trump, proclaiming “America First!” and “The world is a very dangerous place!”, is siding with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman in the murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi. Despite the conclusions of the American intelligence community, Trump has issued a statement saying, literally, “maybe he did and maybe he didn’t!”
The statement comes four days after the Washington Post reported that the CIA has concluded that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the assassination of Khashoggi. Although the president said on Saturday that a “very full report” was forthcoming – possibly today – his statement today suggested that the U.S. had not reached a final conclusion – and perhaps never would.
His decision to stand with Saudi Arabia apparently was made prior to reading the expected intelligence report. Trump also has also refused to listen to a recording of Khashoggi’s murder.
Last week, the U.S. imposed sanctions, under the Magnitsky Act, on 17 Saudi citizens suspected of involvement in the murder. Trump’s statement today suggests that’s the end of that.
“Our intelligence agencies continue to assess all information, but it could very well be that the Crown Prince had knowledge of this tragic event – maybe he did and maybe he didn’t!,” writes Trump. “That being said, we may never know all of the facts surrounding the murder of Mr. Jamal Khashoggi. In any case, our relationship is with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. They have been a great ally in our very important fight against Iran.”
Trump also notes Saudi Arabia’s financial investment in the United States, and takes credit for it: “After my heavily negotiated trip to Saudi Arabia last year, the Kingdom agreed to spend and invest $450 billion in the United States. This is a record amount of money.”
In the wake of Trump’s statement, former CIA director John O. Brennan called on Congress to “obtain & declassify” the CIA findings on Khashoggi’s death, and said the president “excels in dishonesty.”
“Since Mr. Trump excels in dishonesty, it is now up to members of Congress to obtain & declassify the CIA findings on Jamal Khashoggi’s death,” Brennan tweeted. “No one in Saudi Arabia—most especially the Crown Prince—should escape accountability for such a heinous act.”
Trump’s statement also repeats unsubstantiated claims by Saudi Arabia that Khashoggi was an “enemy of the state” and a member of the Muslim Brotherhood. He added that his decision to stand with Saudi Arabia “is in no way based on” those allegations against Khashoggi, but offers no explanation on why he included the smears in his statement.
The president does not mention that Khashoggi was a journalist or worked for The Washington Post. Khashoggi’s editor at the Post, Karen Attiah, called Trump’s statement “a new low” and “full of lies and a blatant disregard for his own intelligence agencies.”
Trump’s statement on Saudi Arabia + #Khashoggi is full of lies and a blatant disregard for his own intelligence agencies.
It also shows an unforgivable disregard for the lives of Saudis who dare criticize the regime.
This is a new low.https://t.co/mMELjLico8
— Karen Attiah (@KarenAttiah) November 20, 2018
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, in a briefing this afternoon, confirmed that, “As the president said today, the United States will continue to have a relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
Said Pompeo, “It’s a mean, nasty world out there.”
Tweeted Sen. Dianne Feinstein, “Human rights is more than just a phrase, it has to mean something. And that means standing up and condemning a brazen murder by a foreign government.”
Here is the full Trump statement:
Statement from President Donald J. Trump on Standing with Saudi Arabia
America First!
The world is a very dangerous place!
The country of Iran, as an example, is responsible for a bloody proxy war against Saudi Arabia in Yemen, trying to destabilize Iraq’s fragile attempt at democracy, supporting the terror group Hezbollah in Lebanon, propping up dictator Bashar Assad in Syria (who has killed millions of his own citizens), and much more. Likewise, the Iranians have killed many Americans and other innocent people throughout the Middle East. Iran states openly, and with great force, “Death to America!” and “Death to Israel!” Iran is considered “the world’s leading sponsor of terror.”
On the other hand, Saudi Arabia would gladly withdraw from Yemen if the Iranians would agree to leave. They would immediately provide desperately needed humanitarian assistance. Additionally, Saudi Arabia has agreed to spend billions of dollars in leading the fight against Radical Islamic Terrorism.
After my heavily negotiated trip to Saudi Arabia last year, the Kingdom agreed to spend and invest $450 billion in the United States. This is a record amount of money. It will create hundreds of thousands of jobs, tremendous economic development, and much additional wealth for the United States. Of the $450 billion, $110 billion will be spent on the purchase of military equipment from Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and many other great U.S. defense contractors. If we foolishly cancel these contracts, Russia and China would be the enormous beneficiaries – and very happy to acquire all of this newfound business. It would be a wonderful gift to them directly from the United States!
The crime against Jamal Khashoggi was a terrible one, and one that our country does not condone. Indeed, we have taken strong action against those already known to have participated in the murder. After great independent research, we now know many details of this horrible crime. We have already sanctioned 17 Saudis known to have been involved in the murder of Mr. Khashoggi, and the disposal of his body.
Representatives of Saudi Arabia say that Jamal Khashoggi was an “enemy of the state” and a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, but my decision is in no way based on that – this is an unacceptable and horrible crime. King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman vigorously deny any knowledge of the planning or execution of the murder of Mr. Khashoggi. Our intelligence agencies continue to assess all information, but it could very well be that the Crown Prince had knowledge of this tragic event – maybe he did and maybe he didn’t!
That being said, we may never know all of the facts surrounding the murder of Mr. Jamal Khashoggi. In any case, our relationship is with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. They have been a great ally in our very important fight against Iran. The United States intends to remain a steadfast partner of Saudi Arabia to ensure the interests of our country, Israel and all other partners in the region. It is our paramount goal to fully eliminate the threat of terrorism throughout the world!
I understand there are members of Congress who, for political or other reasons, would like to go in a different direction – and they are free to do so. I will consider whatever ideas are presented to me, but only if they are consistent with the absolute security and safety of America. After the United States, Saudi Arabia is the largest oil producing nation in the world. They have worked closely with us and have been very responsive to my requests to keeping oil prices at reasonable levels – so important for the world. As President of the United States I intend to ensure that, in a very dangerous world, America is pursuing its national interests and vigorously contesting countries that wish to do us harm. Very simply it is called America First!
Since Mr. Trump excels in dishonesty, it is now up to members of Congress to obtain & declassify the CIA findings on Jamal Khashoggi’s death. No one in Saudi Arabia—most especially the Crown Prince—should escape accountability for such a heinous act. https://t.co/exQrZKybhk
— John O. Brennan (@JohnBrennan) November 20, 2018
Other responses:
Statement from Washington Post Publisher and CEO Fred Ryan in response to President Trump's statement today regarding the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. pic.twitter.com/JJzw9yaU6Z
— Washington Post PR (@WashPostPR) November 20, 2018
Human rights is more than just a phrase, it has to mean something. And that means standing up and condemning a brazen murder by a foreign government. Everyone who played a role in this killing must be held accountable.
— Sen Dianne Feinstein (@SenFeinstein) November 20, 2018
President Trump's refusal to accept the CIA's assessment that Mbs not only knew about but Ordered the assassination of #Khashoggi is a betrayal of the American intelligence community and yet another clear indicator of his disdain for freedom of the press. https://t.co/cgWWkvKFnG
— Carolyn B. Maloney (@RepMaloney) November 20, 2018
President Trump Pardons A Turkey. I think this is one case where the comedians can just let the headline speak for itself.
— Dan Rather (@DanRather) November 20, 2018
Journalists and press freedom campaigners tell me President Trump’s stance on Khashoggi’s murder sends a message to anyone in a position of power that it’s okay to kill their critics, as long as they call them enemies of the people.
— Richard Engel (@RichardEngel) November 20, 2018...
The statement comes four days after the Washington Post reported that the CIA has concluded that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the assassination of Khashoggi. Although the president said on Saturday that a “very full report” was forthcoming – possibly today – his statement today suggested that the U.S. had not reached a final conclusion – and perhaps never would.
His decision to stand with Saudi Arabia apparently was made prior to reading the expected intelligence report. Trump also has also refused to listen to a recording of Khashoggi’s murder.
Last week, the U.S. imposed sanctions, under the Magnitsky Act, on 17 Saudi citizens suspected of involvement in the murder. Trump’s statement today suggests that’s the end of that.
“Our intelligence agencies continue to assess all information, but it could very well be that the Crown Prince had knowledge of this tragic event – maybe he did and maybe he didn’t!,” writes Trump. “That being said, we may never know all of the facts surrounding the murder of Mr. Jamal Khashoggi. In any case, our relationship is with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. They have been a great ally in our very important fight against Iran.”
Trump also notes Saudi Arabia’s financial investment in the United States, and takes credit for it: “After my heavily negotiated trip to Saudi Arabia last year, the Kingdom agreed to spend and invest $450 billion in the United States. This is a record amount of money.”
In the wake of Trump’s statement, former CIA director John O. Brennan called on Congress to “obtain & declassify” the CIA findings on Khashoggi’s death, and said the president “excels in dishonesty.”
“Since Mr. Trump excels in dishonesty, it is now up to members of Congress to obtain & declassify the CIA findings on Jamal Khashoggi’s death,” Brennan tweeted. “No one in Saudi Arabia—most especially the Crown Prince—should escape accountability for such a heinous act.”
Trump’s statement also repeats unsubstantiated claims by Saudi Arabia that Khashoggi was an “enemy of the state” and a member of the Muslim Brotherhood. He added that his decision to stand with Saudi Arabia “is in no way based on” those allegations against Khashoggi, but offers no explanation on why he included the smears in his statement.
The president does not mention that Khashoggi was a journalist or worked for The Washington Post. Khashoggi’s editor at the Post, Karen Attiah, called Trump’s statement “a new low” and “full of lies and a blatant disregard for his own intelligence agencies.”
Trump’s statement on Saudi Arabia + #Khashoggi is full of lies and a blatant disregard for his own intelligence agencies.
It also shows an unforgivable disregard for the lives of Saudis who dare criticize the regime.
This is a new low.https://t.co/mMELjLico8
— Karen Attiah (@KarenAttiah) November 20, 2018
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, in a briefing this afternoon, confirmed that, “As the president said today, the United States will continue to have a relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
Said Pompeo, “It’s a mean, nasty world out there.”
Tweeted Sen. Dianne Feinstein, “Human rights is more than just a phrase, it has to mean something. And that means standing up and condemning a brazen murder by a foreign government.”
Here is the full Trump statement:
Statement from President Donald J. Trump on Standing with Saudi Arabia
America First!
The world is a very dangerous place!
The country of Iran, as an example, is responsible for a bloody proxy war against Saudi Arabia in Yemen, trying to destabilize Iraq’s fragile attempt at democracy, supporting the terror group Hezbollah in Lebanon, propping up dictator Bashar Assad in Syria (who has killed millions of his own citizens), and much more. Likewise, the Iranians have killed many Americans and other innocent people throughout the Middle East. Iran states openly, and with great force, “Death to America!” and “Death to Israel!” Iran is considered “the world’s leading sponsor of terror.”
On the other hand, Saudi Arabia would gladly withdraw from Yemen if the Iranians would agree to leave. They would immediately provide desperately needed humanitarian assistance. Additionally, Saudi Arabia has agreed to spend billions of dollars in leading the fight against Radical Islamic Terrorism.
After my heavily negotiated trip to Saudi Arabia last year, the Kingdom agreed to spend and invest $450 billion in the United States. This is a record amount of money. It will create hundreds of thousands of jobs, tremendous economic development, and much additional wealth for the United States. Of the $450 billion, $110 billion will be spent on the purchase of military equipment from Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and many other great U.S. defense contractors. If we foolishly cancel these contracts, Russia and China would be the enormous beneficiaries – and very happy to acquire all of this newfound business. It would be a wonderful gift to them directly from the United States!
The crime against Jamal Khashoggi was a terrible one, and one that our country does not condone. Indeed, we have taken strong action against those already known to have participated in the murder. After great independent research, we now know many details of this horrible crime. We have already sanctioned 17 Saudis known to have been involved in the murder of Mr. Khashoggi, and the disposal of his body.
Representatives of Saudi Arabia say that Jamal Khashoggi was an “enemy of the state” and a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, but my decision is in no way based on that – this is an unacceptable and horrible crime. King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman vigorously deny any knowledge of the planning or execution of the murder of Mr. Khashoggi. Our intelligence agencies continue to assess all information, but it could very well be that the Crown Prince had knowledge of this tragic event – maybe he did and maybe he didn’t!
That being said, we may never know all of the facts surrounding the murder of Mr. Jamal Khashoggi. In any case, our relationship is with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. They have been a great ally in our very important fight against Iran. The United States intends to remain a steadfast partner of Saudi Arabia to ensure the interests of our country, Israel and all other partners in the region. It is our paramount goal to fully eliminate the threat of terrorism throughout the world!
I understand there are members of Congress who, for political or other reasons, would like to go in a different direction – and they are free to do so. I will consider whatever ideas are presented to me, but only if they are consistent with the absolute security and safety of America. After the United States, Saudi Arabia is the largest oil producing nation in the world. They have worked closely with us and have been very responsive to my requests to keeping oil prices at reasonable levels – so important for the world. As President of the United States I intend to ensure that, in a very dangerous world, America is pursuing its national interests and vigorously contesting countries that wish to do us harm. Very simply it is called America First!
Since Mr. Trump excels in dishonesty, it is now up to members of Congress to obtain & declassify the CIA findings on Jamal Khashoggi’s death. No one in Saudi Arabia—most especially the Crown Prince—should escape accountability for such a heinous act. https://t.co/exQrZKybhk
— John O. Brennan (@JohnBrennan) November 20, 2018
Other responses:
Statement from Washington Post Publisher and CEO Fred Ryan in response to President Trump's statement today regarding the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. pic.twitter.com/JJzw9yaU6Z
— Washington Post PR (@WashPostPR) November 20, 2018
Human rights is more than just a phrase, it has to mean something. And that means standing up and condemning a brazen murder by a foreign government. Everyone who played a role in this killing must be held accountable.
— Sen Dianne Feinstein (@SenFeinstein) November 20, 2018
President Trump's refusal to accept the CIA's assessment that Mbs not only knew about but Ordered the assassination of #Khashoggi is a betrayal of the American intelligence community and yet another clear indicator of his disdain for freedom of the press. https://t.co/cgWWkvKFnG
— Carolyn B. Maloney (@RepMaloney) November 20, 2018
President Trump Pardons A Turkey. I think this is one case where the comedians can just let the headline speak for itself.
— Dan Rather (@DanRather) November 20, 2018
Journalists and press freedom campaigners tell me President Trump’s stance on Khashoggi’s murder sends a message to anyone in a position of power that it’s okay to kill their critics, as long as they call them enemies of the people.
— Richard Engel (@RichardEngel) November 20, 2018...
- 11/20/2018
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Similar News
Michelle Obama Doesn’t Want To Be Compared To Melania Trump
- 4/26/2024
- by Maya Jimenez
- Celebrating The Soaps
Campaign Consultant For Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Says That ‘Top Priority’ Is To Keep Joe Biden From Winning The Election
- 4/26/2024
- by Alessio Atria
- Uinterview
Justice Clarence Thomas Called Out For Participating In Jan. 6 Case After His Wife Was Found To Have Been A Player In Events Leading To The Riot
- 4/26/2024
- by Baila Eve Zisman
- Uinterview
Fiery Political Drama ‘Our People’ Wins Series Mania Co-Pro Pitch Sessions as Filmmakers Call For Truth Against Power
- 3/19/2024
- by Ben Croll
- Variety Film + TV
Series Mania Picks Political Drama ‘Our People’ About Murder of Journalist Ján Kuciak and Martina Kušnírová: ‘Studying Police Files, We Were Reminded of ‘Fargo’ (Exclusive)
- 2/23/2024
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
Johnny Depp and Saudi Prince Have “Bromance Like No Other”
- 2/14/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.