In Front of Our Noses: Apologizing for Murder

Trump's ongoing revelation of his character.

Source: Official White House Photo

In case anyone is unaware, the BBC provides the following: Jamal Khashoggi: All you need to know about Saudi journalist’s death.

Investigators concluded that Khashoggi was forcibly restrained after a struggle and injected with a large amount of a drug, resulting in an overdose that led to his death, Mr Shalaan said. His body was then dismembered and handed over to a local “collaborator” outside the consulate for disposal, he added.

And the NYT, Saudi Crown Prince Is Held Responsible for Khashoggi Killing in U.S. Report.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia approved the assassination of the Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, according to an intelligence report that the Biden administration released on Friday that offered the world a reminder of the brutal killing.

[…]

The 2018 assassination of Mr. Khashoggi and the brutality of his death, detailed in news reports at the time, shocked the world. And it disgusted American officials, including the C.I.A. director at the time, Gina Haspel, according to current and former intelligence officials. Ms. Haspel and the other American officials listened to a recording obtained by Turkish intelligence that not only captured Mr. Khashoggi’s struggle against Saudi agents and his killing, but also the sounds of the saw being used on his body.

But, you know, what’s a murder and bone-sawing of a journalist between Very Powerful Men?

Trump today via Aaron Rupar:

Trump suggests Khashoggi had it coming: “You’re mentioning someone 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. You don’t have to embarrass our guest.”

Trump suggests Khashoggi had it coming: "You're mentioning someone 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. You don't have to embarrass our guest."

Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) 2025-11-18T17:46:32.144Z

I am not naive and so understand that sometimes the US maintains relations with foreign governments that have done demonstrably evil things. I wasn’t thrilled with Biden’s fist bump with MBS nor with his subsequent handshake, nor did I like Trump’s state visit to Saudi Arabia (as per the photo above).

But hosting him in the Oval Office and making noises about how maybe Khashoggi had it coming is just another example of how Trump has no morals and all he cares about is being a Big Man with other Big Men.

After all, “things happen.”

FILED UNDER: In Front of Our Noses, US Politics, , , , , , ,
Steven L. Taylor
About Steven L. Taylor
Steven L. Taylor is a Professor Emeritus of Political Science and former College of Arts and Sciences Dean. His main areas of expertise include parties, elections, and the institutional design of democracies. His most recent book is the co-authored A Different Democracy: American Government in a 31-Country Perspective. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Texas and his BA from the University of California, Irvine. He has been blogging since 2003 (originally at the now defunct Poliblog). Follow Steven on Twitter and/or BlueSky.

Comments

  1. Kathy says:

    I wouldn’t set “controversial” as a valid motive for murder.

    10
  2. Gregory Lawrence Brown says:

    A lot of people didn’t like that gentleman that you’re talking about.

    A lot of people don’t like you Donald and you are not a gentleman.

    14
  3. gVOR10 says:

    all he cares about is being a Big Man with other Big Men.

    And maybe Trump Tower Riyadh, or some such deal. Money is what he really cares about.

    3
  4. Charley in Cleveland says:

    Kudos Dr. T! You’ve summed up Trump perfectly with these 18 words: Trump has no morals and all he cares about is being a Big Man with other Big Men.

    And while it was revolting to hear Trump’s sick attempt to justify a murder, his response to a question about the Trump Org being in bed with Saudi Arabia was worse. He (laughably) claimed he has nothing to do with the family business, and then went into an extensive rap about his immense business success, which he was willing to forsake in order to apply his genius to making America great. He then rhapsodized about how no other president EVER has been able to reach his level of awesomeness. Mental health experts recognized this as a cry for help.

    4
  5. steve222 says:

    If MBS was a US citizen Trump would pardon him if he could stilll help him build Trump Tower in SA.

    Steve

    4
  6. Chris says:

    With this photo op presented for all to witness, the MAGAts say there is nothing to see here and let’s move on. Meanwhile, the Evangelical and ultra conservative Christians say Amen and expect us follow their blasphemous dictates.