During a White House meeting between then-President Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a reporter inquired about Jamal Khashoggi. Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist, was murdered in 2018 in an operation that U.S. intelligence agencies concluded was approved by the Crown Prince.
President Trump responded to the inquiry by stating, "You're mentioning somebody that was extremely controversial. A lot of people didn't like that gentleman that you're talking about. Whether you like him or didn't like him, things happen."
Jamal Khashoggi's Background and Dissent
Jamal Khashoggi, originating from a notable Saudi family, departed Saudi Arabia in June 2017 after increasing his criticism of the government. He reported that he had been prohibited from using Twitter.
He subsequently began contributing columns to The Washington Post. In one column, he articulated his decision to speak out, stating, "It was painful for me several years ago when several friends were arrested. I said nothing. I didn't want to lose my job or my freedom. I worried about my family. I have made a different choice now. I have left my home, my family and my job, and I am raising my voice. To do otherwise would betray those who languish in prison. I can speak when so many cannot."
Critiques of Saudi Policy
The following summer, the Saudi government lifted the ban on women driving. However, prior to this, numerous women's rights advocates were arrested, accused by the government of "nefarious contacts with foreign parties."
Khashoggi commented on these actions, writing, "The message is clear to all. Activism of any sort has to be within the government, and no independent voice or counter-opinion will be allowed. Everyone must stick to the party line."
Disappearance and Posthumous Publication
Months after publishing these statements, Khashoggi entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul to obtain documents for his marriage. His fiancée waited outside for several hours; Khashoggi did not exit the building.
His final column, published after his death, advocated for free expression in the Arab world and warned that the region's governments "have been given free rein to continue silencing the media."
Khashoggi's writings addressed issues that some powerful figures reportedly considered a challenge to their authority.