Trump Defends Saudi Crown Prince Amid Ongoing Khashoggi Probe

President Trump defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on November 18, when a reporter questioned him about the 2018 killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi during a meeting with the two leaders in the Oval Office. The CIA had previously concluded that the crown prince approved the operation that led to Khashoggi's killing and dismemberment. Trump stated that he had not seen any evidence linking the crown prince to the journalist's death, despite the CIA's findings. According to a report by NPR, Trump's defense of the crown prince comes as the Democratic Party may have an advantage in the 2026 midterms. Analysts suggest that the party's potential advantage could be attributed to the current low approval rating of President Trump, which has been a key factor in the party's success in previous elections. The report also notes that the passage of a bill related to the Epstein case has further fueled the party's momentum. In a statement, Trump defended the crown prince, saying, "I have not seen any evidence that would link the crown prince to the killing of Jamal Khashoggi." Trump's comments were met with criticism from human rights groups, who have long accused the crown prince of human rights abuses. "The fact that President Trump continues to defend the crown prince despite overwhelming evidence of his involvement in Khashoggi's murder is a disturbing reminder of the administration's willingness to prioritize its relationship with Saudi Arabia over human rights and accountability," said a spokesperson for the human rights group. The killing of Jamal Khashoggi has been a major point of contention between the US and Saudi Arabia, with many lawmakers calling for greater accountability from the Saudi government. The CIA's conclusion that the crown prince approved the operation that led to Khashoggi's death has been widely reported, and has led to increased scrutiny of the US-Saudi relationship. The Democratic Party's potential advantage in the 2026 midterms is seen as a significant development, given the party's history of success in elections where the incumbent president has low approval ratings. Analysts suggest that the party's momentum could be fueled by a range of factors, including the passage of the Epstein bill and the ongoing controversy surrounding the US-Saudi relationship. The current status of the US-Saudi relationship remains uncertain, with many lawmakers calling for greater accountability from the Saudi government. The passage of the Epstein bill has further fueled the controversy, with many critics accusing the administration of prioritizing its relationship with Saudi Arabia over human rights and accountability. As the 2026 midterms approach, the Democratic Party's potential advantage will be closely watched by analysts and policymakers alike.