Lawmaker Demands Trump-Saudi Call Transcript Amid Khashoggi Murder Probe
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A former National Security Council staffer is pushing the White House to release a 2019 call transcript between Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, linked to the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Representative Eugene Vindman, a retired Army officer, called the call 'shocking' and implied a quid pro quo was involved. Vindman, who worked on the NSC in 2019, was joined by Khashoggi's widow in demanding the transcript's release. The White House has dismissed Vindman as a 'bitter back-bencher,' but dozens of congressional Democrats have signed a letter supporting his call for transparency. The call in question reportedly took place on June 21, 2019, and discussed US tensions with Iran and oil prices. Trump has defended bin Salman over Khashoggi's killing, which US intelligence agencies concluded was approved by the crown prince. Vindman's brother, Alexander, also worked on the NSC and blew the whistle on a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that led to Trump's first impeachment. The Khashoggi family and the American people deserve to know what was discussed during the call, Vindman said. The release of the transcript could raise serious questions about Trump's dealings with the Saudi leader, he added.
