ABC News’ senior congressional correspondent, Mary Bruce, did not shy away from asking the tough questions during her recent interview with President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. One of the most pressing issues that she raised was the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the anger of some 9/11 families over the White House visit of the Saudi Crown Prince.
During the interview, Bruce asked President Trump about his stance on the murder of Khashoggi, a prominent Saudi journalist who wrote for The Washington Post and was a vocal critic of the Saudi government. The President responded by stating that the Saudi Crown Prince has denied any involvement in the murder and that the United States has a strong relationship with Saudi Arabia.
However, Bruce did not let the matter rest there and pressed on, asking the President if he believed the denials of the Crown Prince and if he would hold him accountable for the murder. In response, President Trump stated that he was waiting for the results of the investigation before making any judgments and that he has been assured by the Saudi government that they are taking the matter seriously.
The interview then shifted to the controversial visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House, with Bruce asking the President about the anger of some 9/11 families over the visit. The Crown Prince’s visit has sparked outrage among some 9/11 families who believe that there may be a connection between the Saudi government and the 2001 terrorist attacks.
In response, President Trump acknowledged the concerns of the 9/11 families but stated that the visit was important for the relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia. He also emphasized that the visit was focused on discussing important issues such as trade and security.
Bruce also posed the same question to the Saudi Crown Prince, asking for his thoughts on the anger of the 9/11 families and the perception that the Saudi government may have been involved in the attacks. In his response, the Crown Prince expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and reiterated that the Saudi government had no involvement in the attacks.
The interview with President Trump and the Saudi Crown Prince shed light on the ongoing controversy surrounding the murder of Jamal Khashoggi and the visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House. However, it also highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia, especially in terms of trade and security.
While the murder of Khashoggi and the 9/11 attacks are concerning issues, it is important to remember that the relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia goes beyond these incidents. Saudi Arabia is a key ally in the Middle East and has played a crucial role in addressing regional issues such as the ongoing conflict in Yemen and the threat of terrorism.
Moreover, the visit of the Crown Prince to the White House presents an opportunity for the United States to address these concerns directly with the Saudi government. By engaging in open dialogue, both countries can work towards finding solutions and improving their relationship.
In addition, it is also important to note that the Saudi government has taken steps to address the murder of Khashoggi, including arrests and investigations into those responsible. While there is still much to be done, it is a positive sign that the Saudi government is taking action and cooperating with the international community.
In conclusion, Mary Bruce’s interview with President Trump and the Saudi Crown Prince shed light on important issues such as the murder of Jamal Khashoggi and the visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House. While there may be concerns and anger surrounding these events, it is important to approach the situation with an open mind and to continue working towards maintaining a positive relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia. Only through open dialogue and cooperation can we find solutions and move forward.
