Trump Dismisses Criticism of Saudi Crown Prince Over Khashoggi Killing

President Donald Trump dismissed criticism of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the 2018 killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi, saying the prince “knew nothing about” the murder. During bin Salman’s visit to the Oval Office, Trump stated, “things happen.” Bin Salman was making his first White House visit since Khashoggi was murdered by Saudi agents. U.S. intelligence agencies later determined the prince likely directed the agents to carry out the attack. Trump ridiculed a reporter who asked whether it was appropriate for the president’s family to be doing business in Saudi Arabia while he was in office, and also asked the prince why American families should trust him after U.S. intelligence said he likely directed Khashoggi’s killing. The reporter replied, “a reporter, sir.” “fake news. One of the worst in the business.” After explaining he had nothing to do with the family business, Trump said the prince “has done a phenomenal job.” The president also said, “A lot of people didn’t like that gentleman [Khashoggi] that you’re talking about.” “Whether you like him or didn’t like him, things happen,” Trump said, “But he [bin Salman] knew nothing about it, and we can leave it at that. You don’t have to embarrass our guest by asking a question like that.” The prince then blamed Osama bin Laden for using Saudis to kill Khashoggi and harm the U.S.-Saudi Arabia relationship. Later, the same reporter asked Trump why the president didn’t just release the files of the late disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. “It’s not the question that I mind. It’s your attitude,” Trump said. “I think you are a terrible reporter. It’s the way you ask these questions … you’re a terrible person and a terrible reporter.” Trump later suggested that the network should lose its broadcast license. “Your news is so fake and is so wrong, and we have a great commissioner, the chairman,” who should look at that,” Trump said. “Because I think when you come in and when you’re 97% negative to Trump and then Trump wins the election in a landslide, that means obviously your news is not credible, and you’re not credible as a reporter.”