Former Vice President Mike Pence criticized President Trump for supporting the Saudi Crown Prince in the case of a murdered journalist based in the US. Trump’s defense of Mohammed Bin Salman, who the CIA implicated in the brutal killing and dismemberment of Jamal Khashoggi, drew Pence’s disapproval. Pence made it clear that he would not have made the same statement as Trump regarding the Saudi leader’s involvement in the incident.
During Salman’s recent visit to the White House, Trump made controversial remarks suggesting that Salman was unaware of the murder, stating “Things happen.” Pence, speaking at an event in London, expressed his disagreement with Trump’s stance and emphasized the importance of the US-Saudi relationship. He indicated that had he been in Trump’s place during the meeting, his approach would have differed.
The murder of Khashoggi, who entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018 and was later found dismembered, has been condemned by the United Nations as a premeditated extrajudicial execution. Despite global criticism, Trump’s warm welcome of Salman, including military jet flypasts and grand receptions, has raised eyebrows.
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In a separate incident, Trump reacted defensively to questions about the murder in the Oval Office, condemning the inquiry and threatening to revoke a broadcaster’s license. Salman, on the other hand, acknowledged the mistake made in the journalist’s killing and assured that steps were being taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
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