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Trump Shields Saudi Crown Prince from Khashoggi Question at G20
A tense moment unfolded at the G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan, when President Donald Trump stepped in as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) was questioned about the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The exchange, caught on video, has reignited debates over Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and U.S. support for the kingdom.
The G20 Confrontation: “Don’t Embarrass Our Guest”
As MBS stood beside Trump and other world leaders, a journalist shouted, “What about Jamal Khashoggi? Are you going to respond to that?” Before the Crown Prince could answer, Trump interjected, saying, “Don’t embarrass our guest.” He then dismissed the question, adding, “We don’t do that here.”
The remark drew swift backlash, with critics accusing Trump of shielding Saudi Arabia from accountability. Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and Saudi critic, was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018. U.S. intelligence agencies concluded MBS ordered the murder, a claim Saudi officials deny.
Trump’s Unwavering Support for Saudi Arabia
Trump’s intervention reflects his long-standing stance of prioritizing U.S.-Saudi ties over human rights concerns. Despite bipartisan pressure, the administration has avoided severe sanctions, citing Saudi Arabia’s role as a key ally against Iran and a major arms buyer.
In 2018, Trump openly stated, “I’m not going to destroy our economy by being foolish with Saudi Arabia.” His latest comments reinforce this position, signaling reluctance to challenge MBS publicly—even on an issue as grave as an extrajudicial killing.
Global Outcry and Political Reactions
Human rights groups and Democratic lawmakers condemned Trump’s remarks. Sarah Leah Whitson of Human Rights Watch called it “a slap in the face to press freedom.” Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) warned that Trump’s stance “sends a dangerous message to dictators.”
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia continues to deny MBS’s involvement, prosecuting lower-level operatives in a trial critics call opaque. The incident underscores the broader challenge for Western nations balancing alliances with autocratic regimes.
What Happens Next?
With Congress urging tougher sanctions and media watchdogs keeping focus on the case, pressure on Trump and Saudi Arabia remains high. The G20 exchange highlights Trump’s prioritization of strategic interests over human rights—setting the tone for future diplomatic engagements.
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