Trump‘s Approval Rating Dips Amidst Renewed Scrutiny of Khashoggi Killing, Saudi Ties
WASHINGTON – Former President Donald Trump’s approval rating has seen a slight decline in recent polling data, coinciding with renewed media attention surrounding the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and his management’s relationship with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The developments underscore ongoing questions about accountability for Khashoggi’s death and the balance between U.S. national security interests and human rights concerns in the Middle East.
The renewed focus stems from a recently declassified intelligence assessment, initially reported by NPR, which affirmed the CIA’s conclusion that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman approved the operation that led to Khashoggi’s killing at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. While the Biden administration released the assessment,it stopped short of imposing direct sanctions on the Crown Prince,a decision that has drawn criticism from human rights advocates and some lawmakers. Trump,during his presidency,repeatedly downplayed the Crown Prince’s involvement,citing the strategic importance of the U.S.-Saudi relationship.
According to a Gallup poll released this week, Trump’s approval rating stands at 38%, a decrease of 2 percentage points from last month. While fluctuations are common, analysts note the dip coincides with increased coverage of the Khashoggi report and the ongoing debate over U.S. policy toward Saudi arabia. The issue resonates particularly with autonomous voters and those concerned about human rights, perhaps impacting future political calculations.
NPR’s reporting details how the Trump administration prioritized maintaining a close alliance with Saudi Arabia, despite warnings from intelligence agencies about the Crown Prince’s actions. Sources within the administration at the time indicated a desire to avoid disrupting arms sales and regional security cooperation. Trump himself publicly defended the relationship, stating in 2018, “If we weren’t friends with Saudi Arabia, we wouldn’t have a military.”
The Biden administration’s response has been characterized by a more cautious approach, emphasizing accountability while also seeking to preserve a working relationship with Saudi Arabia. The administration has imposed sanctions on several Saudi officials implicated in the Khashoggi killing but has refrained from directly targeting the Crown Prince, citing concerns about destabilizing the region. The debate over the appropriate U.S. response is likely to continue, particularly as the issue remains a focal point for human rights organizations and international observers.
