Has Donald Trump Vetted Jamal Khashoggi’s Assassination?

On 18th November, 2025, 02:00 IST US President Donald Trump has praised Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman’s human right activities; amidst starch criticism the Prince is encountering in his own country.

The Prince is facing criticisms for human rights violations, including restrictions on freedom of expression, women’s rights and over executions. This includes the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

U.S. intelligence services later concluded that the killing had been approved by Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman, while Saudi officials maintain the journalist was killed in a rogue operation. The comment received instant backlash on social media, with many users expressing shock, even found to be stating that, “Nothing says human rights quite like Saudi Arabia“.

Trump’s unreserved endorsement of the crown prince, despite widely condemned human rights record that includes the killing of Khashoggi and a continued crackdown on dissent, marking a sharp contrast to the approaches taken by former President Joe Biden and previous administrations. President Trump’s remarks came amid renewed attempts by Saudi Arabia to forge closer economic and military partnerships with the United States, even as international human rights groups and lawmakers continued to denounce Saudi Arabia’s record on freedom of expression, treatment of dissidents, and the 2018 murder. The episode highlights the ongoing tension between the United States’ strategic alliances and its long-stated commitment to defending human rights globally.

President Trump’s praise of the Saudi Crown Prince on Tuesday drew quick backlash both in person and online. “I’m very proud of the job he’s done. What he’s done is incredible in terms of human rights and everything else“, Trump said during the press conference.

An American reporter immediately questioned the statement, saying, “Your Royal Highness, US intelligence concluded that you orchestrated the brutal murder of a journalist“. Trump replied by first asking the reporter who she works for before calling the reporter “fake news“.

“As far as this gentleman is concerned, he’s done a phenomenal job“, Trump said. “You’re mentioning somebody that was extremely controversial. A lot of people didn’t like that gentleman that you’re talking about, whether you like him or didn’t like him, things happen, but he knew nothing about it and we can leave it at that“. Trump while scolding the reporter said, “You don’t have to embarrass our guest by asking a question“.

The Crown Prince’s response appeared to be candid, when he quoted “it was a huge mistake and we are doing our best that this doesn’t happen again“, while citing the incident as “painful“.

While the Saudi Crown Prince has promoted economic modernisation and limited social reforms, rights watchdogs and many lawmakers argued these measures have been undercut by harsh repression. It is in his regime, several dissenters, journalists, and human rights activists reportedly continue to face imprisonment and intimidation, despite Saudi officials’ claims of progress on women’s rights and other reforms.

According to Amnesty International, convictions for social media activity and a record-breaking execution rate exemplify continued violations since 2018. Amnesty has cited the continued imprisonment of activists like Manahel al-Otabi, Abdulrahman al-Sadhan, and Sheikh Salman Alodah, and called for their immediate release.

Elizabeth Rghebi, MENA Advocacy Director, Amnesty International USA, warned in a press statement on November 14, 2025: “In Saudi Arabia, human rights conditions have significantly deteriorated under the Crown Prince’s leadership. Amnesty International has documented how Saudi authorities have intensified their crackdown on freedom of expression over the past few years, with Saudi courts convicting and handing down lengthy prison terms to dozens of individuals for expressing themselves on social media. This attack on the freedom of expression must end”.

Sarah Yager, Washington director, Human Rights Watch, said in a coalition statement reported by the San Francisco Chronicle: “Saudi Arabia’s crown prince is trying to rebrand himself as a global statesman, but the reality at home is mass repression, record numbers of executions, and zero tolerance for dissent. U.S. officials should be pressing for change, not posing for photos”.

Team Maverick