US lawmakers split with Trump over murdered Saudi journalist

Lawmakers, some of which from the president's party, urged Congress to take concrete action against the US ally after Trump last week vowed to maintain relations with the kingdom.

Democratic US Representative Adam Schiff, who is due to become chairman of the House Intelligence Committee when Democrats regain control of the chamber in January, has vowed a probe on the Khashoggi case, as well as whether Trump’s personal financial interests are dictating his policies toward Saudi Arabia.

"Look, the president is not being honest with the country about the murder of Jamal Khashoggi," Schiff said on CNN's "State of the Union" programme. "What's driving this?"

Khashoggi, former Saudi royal insider who became a critic of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was murdered at the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul last month.

Leaked Turkish intelligence and CIA reports concluded the murder was orchestrated among the highest circles of the Saudi royal family, implicating Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. 

His death unleashed a global wave of criticism against the crown prince, despite Saudi officials claiming he had no role in the killing.

The 59 year-old journalist was at the consulate in Istanbul seeking documents needed to marry his Turkish fiancee. Riyadh - after weeks of denial - said he was killed in a "rogue" operation.

Earlier this month, Turkey said Trump intended to turn a "blind eye" to the murder of Saudi journalist and dissident Jamal Khashoggi, saying Washington's ties with Riyadh would not be harmed.

"In one sense, Trump is saying 'I will turn a blind eye'," Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said in an interview with CNN Turk broadcaster, referring to Trump's continued support for Saudi Arabia, which has committed to billions of dollars in US weapons contracts.

Last week, Trump glossed over the CIA's reported conclusion that the crown prince had authorised the killing.

"Maybe he did and maybe he didn't!" Trump said, implying MbS' culpability in Khashoggi's killing at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on 2 October. 

After persistent denials and numerous contradictory explanations, Riyadh finally admitted Khashoggi was killed in the consulate and his body was dismembered.

Trump was widely pilloried for what critics called his mercantile priorities that made him appear more like a lobbyist for Riyadh, raising the prospect of strong congressional action against Saudi Arabia.

Trump made his first foreign visit as US president to the kingdom, and has touted Saudi Arabia and its powerful crown as lynchpins of his regional aims to contain Iran.

Follow us on Twitter: @The_NewArab