Trump Angrily Responds to Khashoggi Murder Question During Press Meet with MBS
Washington, (EMS): A tense moment unfolded at the White House when U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), who is currently on an official visit to the United States. During a joint press conference, a single question echoed across the hall—leaving both the host and the guest visibly uncomfortable. The question revolved around the controversial Jamal Khashoggi murder case, prompting Trump to lash out at the press.
A Question That Triggered the Storm
Media reports have long linked Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the 2018 killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a columnist for The Washington Post. U.S. intelligence agencies, including the CIA and FBI, have previously stated that MBS approved the operation that led to Khashoggi’s abduction and murder inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
So when a reporter asked Trump how Americans could trust the Crown Prince despite the findings of U.S. intelligence agencies, the atmosphere shifted instantly. The question struck a nerve, leading to a sharp and unexpected reaction from the President.
Trump Calls It “Fake News” and Defends MBS
Visibly irritated, Trump slammed the reporters, accusing them of trying to embarrass their guest. “You are fake news. Don’t embarrass our guest,” he said firmly, looking directly at the reporter.
Defending MBS, Trump claimed there were “many people who disliked Khashoggi,” and insisted that the Crown Prince “did nothing wrong.” He went a step further, dismissing his own intelligence agencies’ conclusions and implying that the media was intentionally creating controversy.
Trump stressed that without solid evidence, it was unfair to level accusations at a visiting leader. His remarks once again highlighted the long-standing friction between Trump and the U.S. press, as well as his uneasy relationship with American intelligence agencies.
MBS Calls the Murder “Painful” and Promises Preventive Measures
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also responded to the incident. Referring to Khashoggi’s killing as a “painful tragedy,” he emphasized that the Saudi government was taking necessary steps to ensure that such an event would “never be repeated.” His comments were brief but aimed at showing responsibility and remorse without directly addressing the allegations.
Background: A Murder That Shook Global Diplomacy
Jamal Khashoggi, a renowned Saudi journalist and outspoken critic of the Saudi regime, was assassinated inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October 2018. His killing sparked global outrage, severely straining U.S.–Saudi relations and leading to widespread demands for accountability.
The incident continues to cast a shadow over diplomatic engagements involving Saudi leadership, making questions about Khashoggi’s murder nearly unavoidable during international appearances.
A Diplomatic Visit Overshadowed by Controversy
What was meant to be a routine diplomatic appearance turned into a moment of high tension. Trump’s strong reaction not only showcased his defensive stance toward the Crown Prince but also reignited debate about press freedom, U.S. intelligence credibility, and America’s alliance with Saudi Arabia.
As the Crown Prince continues his U.S. tour, the shadow of Jamal Khashoggi’s murder remains an unavoidable talking point—one that continues to test the limits of diplomacy and truth.
Editor/Nitin Singh
