Former Vice President Mike Pence criticized President Trump for supporting the Saudi Crown Prince in the case of a murdered US-based journalist. Trump’s defense of Mohammed Bin Salman, accused by the CIA of being involved in the brutal killing of Jamal Khashoggi, drew Pence’s disapproval. Pence, speaking after an event at the Chatham House Think Tank in London, expressed disagreement with Trump’s stance. He emphasized that he would not have made the same statement as Trump and highlighted the significance of the US-Saudi relationship. Pence indicated that if he had been in Trump’s position during the meeting with Salman, the discussion would have taken a different direction.
During Salman’s visit to the White House, Trump welcomed him with grand gestures, including a military jet flypast and a ceremonial welcome. In their meeting, Trump referred to Khashoggi as a “controversial” figure disliked by many and absolved Salman of involvement in his murder, dismissing it as an unfortunate event.
Khashoggi disappeared after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October 2018 to collect marriage documents. Evidence suggested he was killed and dismembered inside the consulate with a bone saw. Turkish officials found indications of tampering with the crime scene. The UN later held the Saudi government responsible for Khashoggi’s “premeditated extrajudicial execution.”
In response to inquiries about the murder during an Oval Office session, Trump criticized the reporter, labeling the question as “insubordinate” and threatening consequences for ABC. Salman admitted the murder was a “huge mistake” and assured measures to prevent its recurrence, expressing regret over the journalist’s death.
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