CNN: Trump signals US won't punish Saudi crown prince over Khashoggi killing
Washington (CNN)President Donald Trump signaled Tuesday that he will not take strong action against Saudi Arabia or its Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the death and dismemberment of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
The White House has been struggling to square a widespread sense that the crown prince directed the killing with its desire for Saudi support for its foreign policy priorities and a need to manage close relationships between bin Salman, the Trump administration and members of Trump's family.
In an exclamation-mark laden statement subtitled "America First!" Trump said that "our intelligence agencies continue to assess all information, but it could very well be that the Crown Prince had knowledge of this tragic event -- maybe he did and maybe he didn't!"
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Update #1: Trump defends Saudi Arabia’s denial about the planning of Khashoggi’s death (Washington Post)
Update #2: Trump vows to remain steadfast partner of Saudi Arabia (Arab News)
Update #3: Saudi prince could have known of murder, ties unchanged: Trump (AFP)
Update #4: US to give Saudis a pass even if Crown Prince behind murder (AFP)
WNU Editor: This analysis is correct, specifically on how Russia will benefit if President Trump condemns Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman .... Trump's mealy-mouthed statement on the Jamal Khashoggi murder is actually prudent (Tom Rogan, Washington Examiner).