In a recent meeting held in the Oval Office, President Trump expressed his defense of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman amid inquiries regarding the 2018 assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The CIA reported that the crown prince sanctioned the operation that resulted in Khashoggi’s death and dismemberment.
Details from the Meeting
During their discussions, Trump and the crown prince focused on enhancing economic and defense cooperation between the United States and Saudi Arabia. Two significant agreements were highlighted:
- The U.S. agreement to sell F-35 fighter jets and tanks to Saudi Arabia.
- The crown prince’s commitment to invest $1 trillion in the United States.
Despite these agreements, the complete texts for other signed deals have not yet been disclosed.
Khashoggi’s Legacy and Public Perception
In response to questions concerning Khashoggi, the crown prince showed a tone of regret, contrasting with Trump’s more assertive defense. This meeting took place against the backdrop of a low approval rating for Trump, which is reportedly affecting his party’s standing ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
Trump’s Approval Rating Analysis
A recent NPR/PBS News/Marist poll revealed that Trump’s approval rating has dropped significantly. Key statistics include:
- A 14-point advantage for Democrats if elections were held today.
- Widespread dissatisfaction among voters regarding Congress, the media, and the presidential office.
This trend suggests that Trump and the Republican Party are facing criticism over various issues, including government shutdown concerns and economic conditions affecting everyday Americans.
Legislation on Epstein Files
In legislative news, both the House and Senate have passed measures compelling the Justice Department to release files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This legislation mandates the release of unclassified documents, including communications related to the Epstein cases, within 30 days of Trump signing the bill. Critics warn that the focus on these files could fuel political conflict ahead of the midterms.
The evolving political landscape raises questions about the potential impact of these events on voter sentiment as the U.S. approaches the 2026 elections.
