By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly in favor of a bill on Tuesday compelling the Justice Department to release its files on Jeffrey Epstein. This decisive action followed months of effort to overcome opposition, including from former President Donald Trump and Republican leadership. Despite initial resistance, the bill garnered significant momentum, leading to its passage in the House and subsequent unanimous consent in the Senate. This legislative victory marks a crucial step in the pursuit of accountability for Epstein’s victims and scrutiny of law enforcement’s handling of the case.
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Trump dismisses criticism of Crown Prince over the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, saying, “Things happen,” which, honestly, is a pretty shocking statement when you unpack it. Imagine casually brushing off the brutal murder and dismemberment of a journalist as just another everyday occurrence. It’s almost unbelievable. The sheer callousness of it all is staggering.
The phrase “Things happen” seems to trivialize a truly horrific event. The details of Khashoggi’s murder are gruesome: lured into an embassy, murdered, and then dismembered, even butchered alive. It’s a level of brutality that most people can’t even fathom. To equate this with something as simple as, say, a traffic accident is beyond the pale.
The sentiment that Trump seems to embody here is a dangerous one. It suggests that certain people, especially those in positions of power, are above accountability. This mindset of excusing such atrocious acts raises serious concerns about the value placed on human life and the freedom of the press. This isn’t a slip of the tongue; it’s a reflection of his values.
It’s natural to wonder how Trump would react if he were the target of such an act. Would he shrug it off and say, “Things happen”? Doubtful. His reactions to any perceived slights or attacks on his character are legendary. The irony is almost too much to bear.
The implication here is that those who criticize are somehow deserving of whatever happens to them. The idea that a journalist might “have it coming” is a terrifying thought and one that runs contrary to the principles of a free and open society. It’s the type of thing you’d expect to hear from a dictator, not a leader who’s supposed to be representing the free world.
It is clear that Trump’s remarks indicate a troubling disregard for human rights and the rule of law. His cozy relationship with authoritarians like Viktor Orban and Vladimir Putin provides some context. It’s no secret that Trump admires leaders who wield power without the constraints of democratic norms. He sees strength in ruthlessness, not in responsibility.
The dismissal of the Khashoggi murder also highlights a willingness to prioritize political and financial interests over moral ones. The relationship with Saudi Arabia, and the financial ties involved, undoubtedly play a role in his response. It’s a classic example of putting money and power ahead of principle.
The concept of “Things happen” also carries a worrying implication regarding how Trump might view his own treatment of those who oppose him. The idea that dissent can be met with harsh and even violent consequences is a chilling one. It’s a sentiment that should frighten any citizen who values freedom of speech and expression.
The whole thing smacks of a malignant narcissist, who only has empathy for themselves. It doesn’t seem to bother him at all that a critical journalist was murdered. It’s easy to see how money and power can corrupt even the best of people.
It’s easy to get frustrated that a leader of such stature would even utter those words. The world is watching and listening. He is literally giving the green light to those who would do harm to journalists and other people who speak their truth. His message is clear: It’s okay to murder your critics, as long as you’re a powerful person with money.
This isn’t just about Khashoggi; it’s about the bigger picture. It’s about the role of the press, the importance of free speech, and the value of human life. It is an extremely sad day when a world leader expresses sentiments like these, and we should be very worried about the direction things are going.