KTRH Local Houston and Texas News

KTRH Local Houston and Texas News

KTRH-AM covering local news from Houston and across Texas.

 

Biden Defends Upcoming Saudi Arabia Trip, Downplays Meeting With Prince

President Joe Biden is downplaying an upcoming meeting with the Saudi crown prince, as he faces criticism from Republicans and Democrats.

The president is defending his July trip to Saudi Arabia, saying he's not going specifically to meet with Mohammed bin Salman. He's going to attend the Gulf Cooperation Conference, which Saudi Arabia is hosting. The administration will likely push for increased oil production amid rising gas prices. However, members of his own party, like Democrat Adam Schiff says Biden shouldn't make any contact with the crown prince.

“I wouldn’t go. I wouldn’t shake his hand. I want nothing to do with him,” Schiff said in a recent TV interview.

Democrats pointing out the kingdom's dismal human rights record, including the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, which intelligence has linked to the Saudi crown prince.

Republicans do not believe the president’s visit will result in lower gas prices. Many have pointed out that as a presidential candidate, Biden said he wanted to make Saudi Arabia a “pariah”.

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 17: U.S. President Joe Biden speaks to members of the press prior to a Marine One departure from the White House June 17, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)


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