Trump Shielded Salman — Congress Must Investigate

I am writing to request immediate congressional hearings concerning President Trump’s recent conduct with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which raises serious questions about national security, America’s global strength, and the safety of U.S. personnel. During the Oval Office meeting with Mohammed bin Salman, the President dismissed the murder of Washington Post columnist and U.S. resident Jamal Khashoggi by saying “things happen” and insisting the Crown Prince “knew nothing about it.” These comments were made while sitting directly beside the man U.S. intelligence agencies—under Republican and Democratic leaders—have concluded approved the operation. This is not about partisanship. It is about trust in our intelligence services, support for our national security officers, and preventing foreign governments from believing they can act against U.S. residents without consequences. A declassified intelligence assessment found that Mohammed bin Salman oversaw the Saudi security services responsible for Khashoggi’s killing. When the President publicly rejects those findings in front of the Crown Prince, it undermines the credibility of our own intelligence professionals and sends a message that the United States is willing to look the other way when a foreign leader targets someone living under American protection. At the same time, the administration is pushing for advanced U.S. fighter jet sales to Saudi Arabia. These aircraft contain some of the most sensitive technology our nation possesses. Before transferring such capabilities, Congress must have full confidence that U.S. leadership is making decisions based on American interests, not personal relationships. The possibility that foreign partners could gain access to U.S. systems—directly or indirectly—should concern every lawmaker regardless of party. The President’s increasing hostility toward the press also demands oversight. Threatening to revoke network licenses, singling out individual reporters, and attempting to punish outlets he disagrees with does not project American strength. It weakens our standing, gives adversaries talking points, and creates unnecessary domestic instability at a time when unity is vital. None of this is about relitigating past elections. It is about ensuring that the Commander-in-Chief is acting in America’s best interests, protecting our intelligence capabilities, and upholding the standards expected of the office. Congress has a constitutional responsibility to investigate actions that could put U.S. national security, military technology, or personnel at risk. For these reasons, I ask you to support immediate hearings to determine whether the President’s conduct with Mohammed bin Salman—and his rejection of U.S. intelligence assessments—constitutes an abuse of power or a failure of duty that warrants impeachment proceedings. America must remain strong, secure, and guided by the rule of law.