By Matt Underwood Trump, MBS had “shocking” phone call after Khashoggi murder, Vindman warns, and this statement immediately begs the question: What could possibly be shocking at this point? Considering the well-documented history of both Donald Trump and Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), the potential for a truly surprising revelation feels limited. After witnessing years of behavior that prioritized personal gain and disregard for human rights, it’s hard to imagine anything said during a private phone call that would surpass the shock value of their public actions.
The very idea of a “shocking” call implies something significantly worse than we already know. It suggests a level of depravity that exceeds even the widely condemned murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a journalist critical of both Trump and MBS. The notion that Trump would congratulate MBS, or even offer some kind of tacit approval for the gruesome act, feels almost predictable. After all, Trump has repeatedly demonstrated a fondness for authoritarian leaders and a disdain for those who challenge him.
It’s difficult to avoid the feeling that such a call would simply be a confirmation of what we already suspect: a transactional relationship built on money and power, where human life is a secondary concern. The fact that the call remains unreleased only fuels speculation and reinforces the idea that there’s something to hide. It’s not unrealistic to imagine the call containing disparaging remarks about journalists, or a casual acknowledgment of Khashoggi’s killing. The current political climate allows for such conversations, where there seem to be no consequences for any speech or action.
The potential revelation of the call does not appear shocking, but more like a confirmation of a reality we’ve been forced to acknowledge. This could range from Trump using the phone call to tell MBS that he should be congratulated for doing what Trump wished he could have done, to Trump trying to cover up any of his own personal or financial dealings. The silence surrounding the call, along with the subsequent actions of those involved, only amplifies the sense of unease.
The aftermath of Khashoggi’s murder, and the subsequent relationship between the Trump administration and Saudi Arabia, provides clear evidence of the priorities at play. From Jared Kushner’s involvement in the investigation and his eventual financial dealings with the Saudis, to the LIV Golf tournament held at Trump’s golf course, the narrative is not just disturbing, but also quite clear. It’s a tale of self-interest, where moral considerations take a backseat to financial gain and political convenience.
The fact that these relationships persist, even in the face of such clear moral failings, should be a significant source of concern. The willingness to overlook human rights abuses in exchange for economic or political advantages speaks to a fundamental corruption. The silence of some, and the defense of others, contributes to the ongoing sense of impunity.
The entire situation surrounding the Trump-MBS relationship is a stark reminder of the corrosive effects of unchecked power and the dangers of prioritizing wealth over values. The hypothetical content of a phone call, regardless of how shocking it might be, serves as a grim reflection of a larger issue.