Trump’s Take on Khashoggi’s Murder Sparks Diplomatic Tension
In an Unexpected Stance
Donald Trump made headlines again this week by announcing that he would keep the U.S. as a “steadfast partner” for Saudi Arabia—no matter what the investigation uncovers about the tragic fate of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The proclamation came after he hinted that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman might have knew about the plot to kill Khashoggi.
Turkey’s Response
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu fired back in a conversation with CNN Turk, making it crystal clear that the Trump administration will likely ignore the incident no matter the evidence presented. He also highlighted a glaring omission from the U.S. side:
- The United States did not inform Turkey of an audio tape that supposedly records the Crown Prince ordering Khashoggi’s silencing.
- This tape surfaced only after a Turkish newspaper revealed that the CIA reportedly held it.
Key Diplomatic Calculations
Despite the drama, Cavusoglu emphasized that nothing stands in the way of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Saudi Crown Prince meeting at the forthcoming G-20 summit in Argentina. “It’s entirely up to President Erdogan,” he said.
Why the Drama Matters
For many around the world, Khashoggi’s disappearance is a stark reminder of the risks journalists face when speaking truth… but for some politicians, the diplomatic high stakes are another story entirely. As President Trump pledges unwavering support for Saudi Arabia, the unsettling question remains: how many more stories will get buried under the weight of international alliances?
