Trump Defends Saudi Crown Prince Amid CIA's Khashoggi Murder Accusations

President Trump defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Oval Office yesterday, despite the CIA's conclusion that the crown prince approved the operation that led to the killing and dismemberment of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. Trump's comments came during a meeting with the two leaders, where he was questioned about the incident by a reporter. The defense of the crown prince marks the latest development in a long-standing controversy surrounding the journalist's death. According to sources, Trump stated that he does not believe the crown prince was involved in Khashoggi's killing, despite the CIA's findings. "I don't think he did it," Trump said, referring to the crown prince. "I think he was very upset about it, and that's what I've heard." The comments have sparked widespread criticism from lawmakers and human rights groups, who have long called for accountability in the case. The controversy surrounding Khashoggi's death has been ongoing for years, with many accusing the Saudi government of human rights abuses. In 2018, the CIA concluded that the crown prince had approved the operation that led to Khashoggi's killing, which was carried out by a team of Saudi operatives at the country's consulate in Istanbul. The incident has strained relations between the United States and Saudi Arabia, with many lawmakers calling for a reevaluation of the country's relationship with the kingdom. The defense of the crown prince by Trump has also sparked criticism from lawmakers, who have accused the president of prioritizing his relationship with Saudi Arabia over human rights concerns. "The president's comments are a clear indication that he is more interested in protecting his business interests than in holding the Saudi government accountable for its human rights abuses," said Senator Bob Menendez, a Democrat from New Jersey. The comments have also been met with criticism from human rights groups, who have long called for accountability in the case. The 2026 midterms may also see a shift in the balance of power, with Democrats potentially gaining an advantage. According to recent polls, Democrats are leading in several key battleground states, including Florida and Ohio. The shift in momentum could be attributed to a number of factors, including the party's strong performance in the 2022 elections and the growing popularity of Democratic candidates. While the outcome of the midterms is still uncertain, many analysts believe that Democrats have a strong chance of gaining control of Congress. The outcome of the midterms will have significant implications for the country, including the potential for changes in policy and the balance of power in Washington. The election will also provide insight into the state of the parties and the direction of the country. As the election approaches, many are watching closely to see how the parties will perform and what the outcome will mean for the country.