Trump compared the disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi to allegations against Kavanaugh

Donald Trump has come out in defence of Saudi Arabia and their role in the suspected disappearance of a journalist, by comparing the situation to the allegations made against Brett Kavanaugh.

In an interview with the Associated Press, the president said:

Here we go again with, you know, you're guilty until proven innocent.

I don't like that.

We just went through that with Justice Kavanaugh and he was innocent all the way as far as I'm concerned.

Kavanaugh was recently appointed as a Supreme Court justice despite several women making a string of sexual misconduct allegations against him.

Earlier this month, the Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi disappeared after entering his nation's consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, and is believed to have been 'murdered'.

Trump added that "I have to find out what happened", which is in defiance of what many other nations and businesses have said in response to the story, which has become a major international talking point.

Reaction to Trump's statement on Twitter has been one of confusion and disgust, and asking what Kavanaugh thinks of this comparison.

Trump has cited a lucrative arms deal as one of the main reasons for not severing ties with Saudi Arabia, despite what the investigation into Mr Khashoggi's disappearance may conclude.

Other associates of Trump, namely World Wrestling Entertainment, have faced growing pressure to cancel an event that they are due to hold in the country in November.

Elsewhere, US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo visited Saudi Arabia on Tuesday to discuss the ongoing matter with the country's royal family. In a statement he said:

During each of today’s meetings the Saudi leadership strongly denied any knowledge of what took place in their consulate in Istanbul.

My assessment from these meetings is that there is serious commitment to determine all the facts and ensure accountability, including accountability for Saudi Arabia’s senior leaders or senior officials.

The President has asked me to travel to Turkey to meet with senior leaders.

We will remain in close contact with Saudi and Turkish authorities as they complete this process and ultimately announce their findings.

HT Twitter Moment

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