Trump: If anybody Responsible for Khashoggi’s Death, It would be MBS

Local Editor

The US has taken diplomatic action against 21 Saudi officials believed connected with the killing of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a public expression of disapproval that came as the kingdom’s powerful crown prince appeared at an investment conference that opened under a cloud.

In an interview with The Wall Street Journal in the Oval Office, US President Donald Trump gave a harsh assessment of Saudi Arabia in light of Khashoggi’s death, saying he said he was convinced King Salman didn’t know about the killing in advance. Asked about Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s possible involvement, Trump said: “Well, the prince is running things over there more so at this stage. He’s running things and so if anybody were going to be, it would be him.”

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the Saudi officials singled out for US action included “those in the intelligence services, the royal court, the foreign ministry, and other Saudi ministries,” though he didn’t identify any by name. They will be subject to visa revocations and special screening procedures meant to keep them out of the US, though Pompeo said further action against those individuals and others is possible as US officials learn more.

“These penalties will not be the last word on this matter from the United States,” Pompeo said. “We will continue to explore additional measures to hold those responsible accountable.”

Source: WSJ, Edited by website team