Trump defends Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, says MBS 'knew nothing’ about Khashoggi murder; MBS calls the murder 'painful'

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (November 18) downplayed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s role in the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, contradicting the CIA’s conclusion that the crown prince likely ordered the operation.

Praise for human rights record

Despite long-standing criticism of Saudi Arabia’s rights record, Trump hailed the crown prince as a transformative leader.

“We have an extremely respected man in the Oval Office today, a friend of mine for a long time, a very good friend of mine,” Trump said. “I’m very proud of the job he’s done. What he’s done is incredible, in terms of human rights, and everything else.”

MBS calls

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