Former Vice President Mike Pence criticized President Donald Trump for supporting the Saudi Crown Prince in light of the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Trump’s defense of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, whom the CIA implicated in the brutal killing, was met with disapproval from Pence.

During Salman’s visit to the White House, Trump downplayed the murder, stating that Salman was unaware of the events, to which Pence expressed disagreement. Pence, speaking at the Chatham House Think Tank in London, emphasized that he would not have made such a statement had he been in a similar position.

Highlighting the importance of the U.S.-Saudi relationship, Pence mentioned that his approach to the situation would have differed from Trump’s handling. The controversy stems from Khashoggi’s tragic death at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, with evidence indicating Saudi involvement and subsequent cover-up.

Despite global scrutiny, Trump’s welcoming gestures towards Salman raised eyebrows, with Trump labeling Khashoggi as “controversial” and implying Salman’s innocence in the murder. Khashoggi’s death, marked by dismemberment, led to international condemnation and accusations against the Saudi government.

The UN condemned Saudi Arabia for the calculated killing of Khashoggi, adding to the mounting pressure on the kingdom. As news unfolds around Trump’s statements and actions, stay updated by joining the Mirror’s dedicated US Politics WhatsApp community for real-time news alerts and exclusive content.