American Lawmakers React to Trump's Comments on Jamal Khashoggi's Murder

Several lawmakers in the United States from both the Republican and Democratic parties have criticized President Trump's statements regarding the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a critic of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Washington's approach to Riyadh. On November 20, Trump stated that his administration would remain a 'steadfast partner' of Saudi Arabia, even if Mohammed bin Salman was aware of the plot to kill Khashoggi. Bob Corker, the Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Bob Menendez, a senior Democrat on the committee, reacted shortly after Trump's remarks. Corker tweeted, 'I never thought I would see the day when the White House played the role of a public relations firm for the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.' Khashoggi was murdered last October after visiting the Saudi consulate in Istanbul for paperwork. This Saudi citizen was a journalist critical of the Saudi Crown Prince who had settled in the U.S. and wrote for the Washington Post. The murder was carried out by a skilled team of Saudi security agents. Riyadh has emphatically denied any connection between this murder and the Crown Prince or Mohammed bin Salman’s orders. Khashoggi's body has not been found, and Turkey and some Western officials believe it was dismembered or destroyed after the murder. Riyadh claims the killing was carried out by rogue agents, and they have dismissed several individuals and detained others. Trump stated yesterday, 'Our intelligence agencies are still reviewing all findings. The Crown Prince may have been aware of this tragic incident. He may have known, and he may not have known.' He further referenced the relationship between Washington and Riyadh, stating that Saudi Arabia has helped the U.S. curb Iran's ambitions, has signed $450 billion in arms purchase contracts from the U.S. and other investments, and has also helped keep oil prices low. Washington has sanctioned 17 Saudi officials, but lawmakers are calling for tougher sanctions or economic measures. Republican Senator Rand Paul told the Associated Press, 'Not standing up to Saudi Arabia is a sign of weakness.' Senator Paul added, 'Sometimes when two evils are before you, it may be better not to choose either side.' Lindsey Graham, another Republican senator close to Trump, stated that the U.S. should not lose its 'moral voice' in the world. Senator Graham said, 'When it comes to the violent murder of Mr. Jamal Khashoggi, it is not in our national security interest to look the other way.'