Trump: Prince May Be Guilty, but US Stands by Saudis

'We may never know' what happened to journalist Khashoggi, he says
By Newser Editors,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 20, 2018 12:37 PM CST
Trump: Prince May Be Guilty, but US Stands by Saudis
President Trump speaks in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in this file photo.   (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

President Trump made clear in a statement Tuesday that he has no intention of cutting ties with Saudi Arabia over the death of journalist Jamal 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!” Trump said, referring to Mohammed bin Salman. Trump, however, pointed out that King Salman and the prince "vigorously deny any knowledge" of the murder, per the Washington Post. "We may never know all the facts," he added, but "in any case, our relationship is with the kingdom of Saudi Arabia."

Trump rejected the idea of "foolishly" canceling military contracts, saying that would only benefit Russia and China, reports Reuters. The US, he said, "intends to remain a steadfast partner of Saudi Arabia." As for critics in Congress who want to punish the Saudis: "I will consider whatever ideas are presented to me, but only if they are consistent with the absolute security and safety of America." (The CIA is reportedly pretty sure that the crown prince is behind the murder.)

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