Former President Donald Trump stirred controversy yet again when he addressed the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. During a recent meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Trump brushed off questions about the slain journalist, labeling Khashoggi as “extremely controversial.” According to Trump, bringing up the subject of Khashoggi’s brutal killing was just an attempt to embarrass the Saudi crown prince during their conversation.
The Khashoggi Murder: A Chilling Reminder
Jamal Khashoggi, a prominent Saudi journalist and critic of the Saudi regime, was murdered inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018. The shocking incident drew global outrage and put a spotlight on human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia. Trump’s latest comments have reignited heated debate over America’s relationship with Saudi Arabia and the extent to which leaders should confront allies about human rights violations.
Trump’s defense of the crown prince might not surprise many, but it certainly raises eyebrows. Apparently, for some leaders, it’s easier to call a journalist “controversial” than to confront the uncomfortable truth. Maybe there should be an award for world leaders who can dodge the tough questions with this much finesse.