Proof of Conspiracy: How Trump's International Collusion Is Threatening American Democracy

by Seth Abramson

In an effort to stem criticism of Saudi Arabia’s handling of the Khashoggi investigation, Trump issues a statement on October 16, 2018, about the apparent homicide of the Washington Post journalist. The statement references Trump’s May 2017 arms deal with King Salman and MBS, noting that the Saudis are “investing tremendous amounts of money” in the United States.256 He adds that Saudi Arabia’s support “against Iran” is critical to his foreign policy.257 In response to calls for Trump to terminate the 2017 Saudi arms deal as punishment for the Saudis’ murder of Khashoggi, Trump tells Fox Business Network, “Aren’t we just hurting our own country? Because here’s what’s going to happen—[they’ll] buy [arms] from China, buy them from Russia. We’re not really hurting them, we’re hurting ourselves. I don’t want to give up a $110 billion order.”