Trump Defends Saudi Crown Prince in Tense G20 Exchange
In a heated moment at the G20 summit in Osaka, former President Donald Trump abruptly dismissed a journalist’s question about the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, telling the reporter, “Don’t embarrass him”—referring to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). The viral interaction has reignited scrutiny over Trump’s relationship with Saudi leadership and the unresolved investigation into Khashoggi’s 2018 killing.
Explosive Moment: Trump Shuts Down Khashoggi Question
The exchange occurred during a bilateral meeting between Trump and MBS. When asked if he would address Khashoggi’s murder—a crime linked to MBS by US intelligence—Trump quickly interrupted:
“I don’t want to get into that, don’t embarrass him,” Trump said, gesturing toward the Crown Prince. MBS responded with a smirk, adding, “I’ve heard this before,” prompting laughter from Trump. The interaction has drawn backlash from human rights groups, who accuse Trump of prioritizing diplomacy over justice.
Khashoggi’s Murder: A Global Scandal
Jamal Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and Saudi critic, was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018. A CIA report concluded MBS likely ordered the brutal assassination, which involved Khashoggi’s dismemberment. Despite international outrage, Trump repeatedly defended Saudi Arabia, citing its strategic alliance and arms deals.
Critics Slam Trump’s Dismissal of Accountability
Human rights advocates condemned Trump’s refusal to confront MBS. “This is a blatant dismissal of justice,” said Sarah Leah Whitson of Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN), founded by Khashoggi. “It signals that autocrats can kill without consequences.”
Meanwhile, Trump’s supporters argue that Saudi Arabia’s geopolitical role—countering Iran and stabilizing oil—justifies the relationship.
MBS’s Defiant Response: A Sign of Impunity?
The Crown Prince’s remark—“I’ve heard this before”—suggests confidence in his untouchable status. Despite initial pressure, the Biden administration has re-engaged with Saudi Arabia amid rising oil prices, raising questions about whether MBS will ever face real accountability.
What Comes Next?
As the clip circulates online, key questions remain:
– Will the US ever push for justice in Khashoggi’s murder?
– Or will economic interests continue to override human rights?
The moment underscores the uneasy alliances shaping global politics—and the victims often overlooked in power struggles.
Watch the viral exchange here: [Insert video link]
— Reporting by NextMinuteNews
