Trump Takes a Loud Stance on Khashoggi: “I Don’t Want to Hear This”
Weirdly, Trump Declines the Audio
In a surprising move, President Donald Trump told the nation that he simply doesn’t want to listen to the tape that allegedly captures the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. He received a recording from Turkey—proclaimed to be a “suffering tape” and “terrible”—but said, humorously and with a hint of irritation, “I don’t want to hear the tape, no reason for me to hear it.” Apparently, he believes he already knows the shocking details without hearing them.
Trump’s Love‑It‑or‑Leave‑It Stance Toward Saudi Arabia
Despite anger from protesters, Democrats, and some Republicans, Trump keeps his close ally ties to Saudi Arabia. He dismissed any accusations against the kingdom’s Crown Prince, Mohamed bin Salman (MbS), claiming “the crown prince had nothing to do with it.” In addition, he noted that many others agree the Crown Prince knows nothing about the murder.
The CIA’s Early‑Bird Jaws‑In‑hands Assessment
- Just a day before Trump’s interview, the CIA briefed the administration, suggesting the Crown Prince ordered the hit.
- Trump called that briefing “very premature” and warned that the truth might stay out of reach forever.
- He even hinted that the procedure might be “impossible to know who ordered Khashoggi’s murder.”
Lawmakers Cry for “Harder” Action
Upper‑class Senators, both Democrats and Republicans, have pressured the President to go bold. Their suggestions ranged from suspending arms sales to the kingdom to more dough‑quantity reprisals against the Crown Prince. Trump, though, has been sticking to the “stand‑your-ground” approach.
Sanctions Hit Saudi Officials, Not the Top Brass
On Thursday, the administration whacked 17 Saudi officials with economic sanctions, but the Saudi government itself stayed out of the hot seat.
Reinforcing the Oil‑Powered Alliance
Everything for the US: Saudi Arabia is a major oil supplier and a critical ally in balancing Iran’s influence across the Middle East. The nation’s political clout plays a key role in that equation.
Lindsey Graham’s “No‑Doubt” About Crown Prince
Even best friend of Trump, Senator Lindsey Graham, made it clear on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that he has no doubt the Crown Prince had a hand in the murder. At the same time, he yelled about his irrational nature, saying he would not work with MbS again.
In Short
So, while the President refuses to wrestle with a harrowing recording, he’s still choosing a diplomatic dance with Saudi Arabia—despite serious calls for a firmer stance. Meanwhile, lawmakers are pressing hard, and the embargo on certain officials has gone through. It’s politics, mixed with a side of “I refuse to listen.”
