Declassification Demand: Vindman Urges Release of Trump's Call with Saudi Prince
Representative Eugene Vindman from Virginia has called for the declassification of a 2019 phone call between President Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Vindman described the call as "highly disturbing" and stated that it would shock people if they knew its contents. He also mentioned another troubling call with Ukraine's president that led to Trump's first impeachment.
The transcript of the call between Trump and Prince Mohammed has not been disclosed, but U.S. intelligence concluded that the Saudi leader approved Khashoggi's killing. Vindman, along with other House Democrats, has demanded the release of the transcript, although the likelihood of it being made public is slim. Vindman's actions are aimed at increasing political pressure on the president and keeping the focus on Khashoggi's murder.
Vindman criticized Trump's recent meeting with Prince Mohammed at the White House, where Trump downplayed the Saudi leader's involvement in Khashoggi's killing. Vindman emphasized that U.S. intelligence pointed to Prince Mohammed ordering the murder, calling it a terrorist act. Khashoggi's widow, Hanan Elatr Khashoggi, also disputed Trump's portrayal of her late husband during a news conference.
The release of transcripts of calls between presidents and foreign leaders is typically controlled by the White House and covered by executive privilege. Vindman's push for the release of the call transcript is motivated by a desire for transparency and to shed light on alleged conflicts of interest and corruption in Trump's dealings with the Saudis. He believes that making the transcript public would provide clarity on the benefits the Trump family received from their relationship with Prince Mohammed.
Vindman's call for transparency and closure for the Khashoggi family comes at a time when he believes the political landscape has changed, with Trump attempting to downplay Prince Mohammed's role in the murder. Vindman's efforts to bring attention to the call and its implications reflect his commitment to accountability and integrity in government dealings.