Trump’s Controversial Praise for Saudi Crown Prince Highlights Ethical Concerns
In a recently aired interview with Saudi state media, former President Donald Trump lavished praise on Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, referring to him as a “great guy” and a “visionary.” This comes despite the crown prince’s notorious reputation linked to human rights abuses and the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Trump’s comments seem to ignore the severe criticisms that have been levied against bin Salman, showcasing his continued obsession with maintaining close ties to authoritarian leaders.
During the interview, Trump expressed his belief that under his presidency, relations with Saudi Arabia were at their pinnacle, declaring it was “GREAT” with an emphasis on the word. However, this statement conveniently glosses over the fact that Trump’s administration faced scrutiny for its questionable dealings with the Saudi regime, including arms sales that bypassed Congressional approval and a troubling lack of accountability regarding Khashoggi’s murder.
Trump also criticized President Biden’s diplomatic approach, particularly a moment captured in a fist-bump with the crown prince, arguing that it was a sign of weakness. He insisted that his own gestures of friendship would have been more appropriate, further indicating his desire to present himself as the only viable leader capable of managing foreign relations effectively.
Moreover, it is essential to point out that Trump’s admiration for bin Salman aligns suspiciously with his family’s financial interests. Reports have surfaced revealing that Jared Kushner secured a massive $2 billion investment from the Saudi Public Investment Fund shortly after leaving the White House, raising ethical questions about the Trump family’s dealings with the Saudi regime.
This interview, coupled with Trump’s ongoing admiration for foreign dictators, raises alarm about his prioritization of personal relationships and financial gains over American values and human rights. The former president’s blatant disregard for the violent history of bin Salman exemplifies a troubling trend of normalization of authoritarianism that could have lasting implications on U.S. foreign policy.