Vindman Calls for Clarity on Trump‘s 2019 Conversation with Saudi Crown Prince
WASHINGTON – November 21, 2025 – Former National Security Council official lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman today demanded greater scrutiny of communications between former President Donald Trump and Saudi crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) following the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Vindman’s call for answers came during a news conference held hours after a letter was sent to Trump, Vindman himself, and other lawmakers involved, requesting full disclosure regarding the content of a 2019 phone call between Trump and MBS.
The letter, spearheaded by groups seeking accountability for khashoggi’s death, alleges potential undisclosed agreements or promises made during the conversation. It specifically asks for details on “any promises, favor or commitments exchanged” between the two leaders. This renewed focus on the 2019 call arrives amid ongoing concerns about the U.S.-Saudi relationship and the potential for the Kingdom to further curtail dissent, and as the Biden administration navigates a complex geopolitical landscape involving Saudi Arabia and regional stability.
Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist critical of the Saudi government, was murdered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, 2018. U.S. intelligence agencies concluded that MBS likely approved the operation, a finding the Saudi government denies. Despite this assessment, the Trump administration maintained close ties with the Crown Prince, citing strategic interests and arms sales.
The 2019 phone call in question occurred months after the release of the CIA’s assessment implicating MBS in Khashoggi’s murder.Reports at the time indicated Trump downplayed the intelligence findings during the conversation, prioritizing the U.S.-Saudi alliance.The letter to Trump and other officials seeks to determine whether any concessions were made to MBS in exchange for continued cooperation on issues such as oil production or counterterrorism efforts.
Vindman, who testified during Trump’s first impeachment inquiry, has been a vocal critic of the former president’s foreign policy decisions. He stated today that a full accounting of the 2019 call is essential for understanding the dynamics of the U.S.-Saudi relationship and ensuring accountability for Khashoggi’s murder. he emphasized that Americans “deserve answers” regarding the nature of the communication and any potential compromises made.
