URGENT UPDATE: Hanan Elatr Khashoggi, widow of the slain journalist Jamal Khashoggi, expressed her shock and disbelief over comments made by President Donald Trump regarding her late husband. In a meeting earlier today with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Trump dismissed the serious implications of Khashoggi’s murder and appeared to downplay the circumstances surrounding it.
During the Oval Office meeting, Trump stated that the Crown Prince “knew nothing about” Khashoggi, a remark that has ignited outrage and disbelief among advocates for press freedom and human rights. Hanan Khashoggi responded to the Associated Press, stating, “I cannot believe what I heard. This is a man who was murdered for speaking the truth.”
This development comes as U.S.-Saudi relations remain a contentious topic following the 2018 killing of Khashoggi, a prominent columnist for the Washington Post. The brutal nature of his death inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul has led to widespread condemnation and calls for accountability, particularly regarding the role of the Crown Prince.
Today’s remarks by Trump have raised eyebrows as he continues to support the Saudi leadership despite ongoing scrutiny. “A lot of people didn’t like that gentleman,” Trump added, seemingly deflecting responsibility and criticism directed toward Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.
The implications of Trump’s comments are significant, as they reflect ongoing tensions between U.S. foreign policy interests and moral obligations to uphold human rights. Many activists and journalists are now questioning the administration’s commitment to justice for Khashoggi and other victims of state-sponsored violence.
As this story develops, there are pressing questions about what this means for U.S.-Saudi relations and the global fight for press freedom. Advocates are calling for renewed pressure on the Saudi government to take accountability for Khashoggi’s death and for the U.S. to adopt a firmer stance on human rights violations.
Global audiences are watching closely as reactions unfold. Hanan Khashoggi’s poignant statement underscores the emotional toll of her husband’s murder and the ongoing struggle for truth and justice.
Stay tuned for further updates on this critical story as it continues to develop.
