From Elise Hammond at Xenix News
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!President Donald Trump addresses the meeting with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman in the Oval Office on Tuesday. Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters
President Donald Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia recently answered questions from journalists in the Oval Office.
This morning, the crown prince received a grand diplomatic reception at the White House, where Trump highlighted his collection of presidential portraits, which he refers to as the “Presidential Walk of Fame.” The day’s activities will wrap up with a formal dinner tonight.
Here are several subjects they discussed in the Oval Office:
Comments on human rights: Trump began his comments by commending Prince bin Salman’s human rights record, stating, “We have an immensely respected individual in the Oval Office today.” The CIA concluded that Prince bin Salman probably directed the assassination of Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Moreover, human rights organizations have condemned the kingdom for its widespread application of the death penalty and limitations on freedom of expression.
Prince and Trump minimize Khashoggi’s killing: Trump called Khashoggi “highly controversial” and stated the crown prince “had no knowledge of” his murder. Prince bin Salman remarked that “it’s distressing and a significant error” while supporting the inquiry into the murder.
Conflicts of interest: Trump further minimized possible conflicts of interest, claiming he has “no involvement with the family business” and that what his “family does is acceptable.” The Trump Organization, managed by the president’s sons, is engaged in significant real estate ventures in Saudi Arabia.
Abraham Accords: A key focus of Trump’s agenda will be talking about Saudi Arabia establishing relations with Israel
The crown prince stated that his nation desires to be involved in the Abraham Accords, which establish normalization of relationships between Arab nations and Israel, but it also aims for Palestinian statehood. Independently, Trump stated that Saudi Arabia has consented to buy F-35 fighter jets from the US.
Epstein files: Trump criticized a journalist rather than responding to why he hasn’t made the Department of Justice case files regarding Jeffrey Epstein public. “I believe you’re an awful journalist,” he remarked. “I am not connected to Jeffrey Epstein.” “I expelled him from my club long ago because I believed he was a disturbed pervert,” Trump said.
This post includes reporting contributions from CNN’s Kevin Liptak, Samantha Waldenberg, Alejandra Jaramillo, Mohammed Tawfeeq, Maureen Chowdhury, and Lauren Said-Moorhouse.
Trump confronts reporter after being challenged on disclosing Epstein documents.
From Alejandra Jaramillo at Xenix News
President Donald Trump showed clear irritation on Tuesday when questioned about why he doesn’t independently disclose the Jeffrey Epstein documents, criticizing an ABC reporter rather than addressing the inquiry and asserting he has no ties to Epstein.
“I don’t mind the question.” It’s your mindset. “I believe you are a horrible reporter,” the president retorted when questioned about why he would wait for Congress to vote on releasing the Epstein files instead of doing it himself.
Trump subsequently remarked that ABC’s license ought to be canceled, contending that the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission should review the network.
The president subsequently maintained his separation from Epstein. “In relation to the Epstein files, I have no connection to Jeffrey Epstein.” I expelled him from my club years ago because I believed he was a twisted deviant. “Yet I suppose I ended up being correct.”
Trump shifted to criticizing Democrats by asserting he had recently encountered information regarding Epstein’s contributions to political campaigns. “Just received a small report, and I slipped it into my pocket.” Out of all the funds he has donated to Democrats, he gave me none, not a single dollar, yet he contributed to the Democrats.
His remarks arrive as the House is prepared to review a bill today aimed at forcing the DOJ to disclose all its case files related to Epstein.
Khashoggi’s widow reacts to Trump’s refusal to answer about her husband’s murder.
From Xenix News Katrina Samaan
Hanan Elatr Khashoggi, the widow of Jamal Khashoggi, reacted today to President Donald Trump’s assertion that her murdered spouse was “extremely controversial,” stating that this was not a justification for his assassination.
Trump brushed off a query regarding the journalist’s 2018 murder during a bilateral discussion with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House today.
“This does not give reason to kill him,” Hanan Elatr Khashoggi stated in an interview with Xenix News. “Jamal was a good, honest, and courageous individual; while many might not have supported his views and his longing for press freedom.” The Crown Prince expressed his regret, so he ought to see me, apologize, and provide compensation for the killing of my husband.
Trump claimed this while rejecting a reporter’s inquiry as a bid to “shame” the Saudi leader and stated that “things occur.”
A CIA evaluation made public following the journalist’s murder indicated the crown prince probably directed the assassination, although he has consistently denied any connection.
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