In the aftermath of Jamal Khashoggi’s murder in 2018, significant attention has been drawn to the remarks of former President Donald Trump regarding human rights and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Khashoggi, a U.S. resident and journalist, was brutally killed, and the CIA concluded that the crown prince authorized the act. This brutal incident led to widespread condemnation, including a unanimous Senate vote against the crown prince.
Trump’s Controversial Stance on Human Rights
Despite the severity of Khashoggi’s killing, Trump has consistently downplayed the event. Recently, during an Oval Office meeting with the crown prince, Trump defended him, stating bin Salman “knew nothing about it.” This stark shift from his earlier hesitance to affirm the crown prince’s involvement to outright denial has raised eyebrows.
Trump’s remarks regarding Khashoggi have been criticized for their insensitivity. He characterized the journalist as “extremely controversial” and implied that his controversial past could justify his murder, saying, “things happen” in contexts of conflict. This flippancy has drawn further scrutiny, particularly from Khashoggi’s widow, Hanan Elatr Khashoggi, who emphasized that no past actions could justify his assassination.
The Geopolitical Landscape
Historically, U.S. presidents have had to balance human rights concerns with strategic relations, particularly with Saudi Arabia. What sets Trump apart is his overt disregard for human rights considerations. For instance, he opened conversations with the crown prince by commending Saudi Arabia’s record on human rights, a statement that sharply contrasts with the evidence surrounding Khashoggi’s murder.
Comparative Remarks on Global Leaders
Trump’s views extend to other global leaders as well. He has expressed admiration for various contentious figures, stating that many countries have “killers” and questioning the innocence of the U.S. He has remained unapologetic in his assessments of world leaders known for human rights violations, including:
- Vladimir Putin: Trump referred to the Russian president as a “killer” but later labeled him “genius” for his strategic moves.
- Kim Jong Un: Trump acknowledged the North Korean leader’s violent actions, calling him “a tough guy.”
- Rodrigo Duterte: During a call, Trump praised the former Philippine president’s controversial drug war efforts.
- Alexander Lukashenko: Trump referred to Lukashenko as “highly respected,” despite widespread accusations of human rights offenses.
The Role of Human Rights in Foreign Policy
Trump’s administration’s approach to human rights has faced criticism for prioritizing political and economic interests over ethical considerations. Many observers argue that this approach could embolden human rights abusers globally. Emphasizing relationships with authoritarian regimes, Trump’s willingness to neglect human rights in favor of strategic benefits has become a hallmark of his foreign policy.
As the international community continues to grapple with the implications of these policies, the case of Jamal Khashoggi remains a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and accountability in global human rights issues.
