President Donald Trump criticized an ABC News reporter on Tuesday after she pressed him about Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) in connection with the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist and a vocal critic of the government, was killed amid widespread outrage during Trump’s first term. The CIA concluded that MBS had ordered the murder.
While Trump and MBS took questions in the Oval Office, ABC correspondent Mary Bruce raised several topics, including Khashoggi’s case.
“Mr. President, is it appropriate for your family to do business in Saudi Arabia while you are president? Is that a conflict of interest?” she began. “And U.S. intelligence has concluded that you orchestrated the brutal murder of a journalist. The families of 9/11 are furious that you are here in the Oval Office. Why should the American people trust you?”
“Who are you with?” Trump interrupted. Bruce responded, “I’m part of ABC News, sir.” After clarifying again, Trump dismissed her outlet as “fake news,” labeling it as one of the worst in the industry.
Trump defended his family’s business dealings, stating, “What my family is doing is fine. They’ve done very little to Saudi Arabia.” He further defended MBS, contesting the initial intelligence assessments regarding his role in Khashoggi’s murder.
“As far as this gentleman is concerned, he’s done a phenomenal job,” Trump said. He acknowledged that “things happen” but insisted MBS had no knowledge of the incident and added, “There’s no need to embarrass your guests with questions like that.”
MBS, responding, expressed his own sorrow for the families of 9/11 victims, yet highlighted how Osama bin Laden had used Saudi Arabia to harm U.S.-Saudi relations. He admitted the aftermath of Khashoggi’s death was “pathetic” but claimed his administration had taken measures to prevent a repeat of such incidents.
Later, Trump chastised Bruce for questioning her about not releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files ahead of the House vote. “It’s not the question that bothers me. It’s your attitude. I think you’re a terrible reporter,” Trump remarked, criticizing her approach to questioning.
He even suggested that the Federal Communications Commission consider revoking ABC’s broadcasting license, calling the network “fake” and biased. “I think the news should be stripped of its license because it’s so fake. And it’s so wrong,” he added, pointing to a need for oversight from the commissioner.
