Pompeo Announces He Will Decide What Happened to Khashoggi After Saudis Give Him Their Report
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo refused to answer questions from several reporters when asked if Khashoggi is alive or dead. In a short address to reporters from the White House lawn, Secretary Pompeo said he will decide what happened to journalist Jamal Khashoggi after the Saudi Arabia government sends him the report of their investigation.
“They made a personal commitment to me,” said Secretary Pompeo, speaking about the Saudi Arabia royal family’s promise to deliver a “truly accurate, fair, and transparent” report.
Pompeo traveled to Saudi Arabia and then to Turkey this week, purportedly on a fact-finding mission. Many believe his goal was to help the Saudis and President Trump come up with a cover story to protect the Saudi royal family. Reports say it’s likely Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman ordered the murder.
Immediately, MSNBC contributors noted that Pompeo called what is believed to be the torture and murder of Khashoggi, which included cutting up his body while he was still alive, a mere “incident.” Also noted was Pompeo stressing what he said is the importance of the U.S.-Saudi “strategic alliance.” Talking Points Memo made the same observation:
“It appears the administration is covering for an individual leader” in Saudi Arabia said Joel Rubin on MSNBC.
NBC’s Peter Alexander says Secretary Pompeo refused to answer if Khashoggi is alive or dead.
CNBC’s Eamon Javers received the same response:
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