President Donald Trump’s concern for seeking answers about the brutal killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi continues to be ambivalent, at best, even as American intelligence officials are mounting growing evidence that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was in fact involved. Khashoggi entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 to obtain a document for his upcoming wedding, and was allegedly dead within minutes.
When asked about audio evidence of Khashoggi’s murder and dismembering, President Trump seemed to brush the question aside, saying only, “I’m not sure yet that it exists, probably does, possibly does.” Trump has also routinely referred to the press as the “enemy of the people” and takes umbrage with the Post, in particular.
Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) has now also joined the growing chorus of voices demanding justice. “The murder of Jamal Khashoggi as described by the Turkish press is an atrocity,” she tweeted on Wednesday. “We must get to the bottom of this, and if the Saudis killed Mr. Khashoggi, those responsible must be held accountable.”
The murder of Jamal Khashoggi as described by the Turkish press is an atrocity. We must get to the bottom of this, and if the Saudis killed Mr. Khashoggi, those responsible must be held accountable.
— Sen. Susan Collins (@SenatorCollins) October 17, 2018
People were quick to remind Collins that she didn’t seem nearly as concerned about “those responsible being held accountable” when it recently came to confirming Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. Collins was one of the last holdouts who eventually gave Kavanaugh her vote.
Accountability doesn’t seem like it’s a big deal for you, Senator.
— Sam Sykes (@SamSykesSwears) October 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/ira/status/1052683886138818560
Look, I feel badly for Jamal Khashoggi, and I believe SOMETHING happened, but I don’t believe it was the Saudis. I think a week long, very narrow FBI prove should clear all of this right up and give us all the same confidence that the President has in the Saudis.
— JJ Collins (@bigbadjjcollins) October 18, 2018
The Saudis say they didn't do it and they can prove that because it's not on their calendar. https://t.co/i6AFWZPpfM
— John Fugelsang (@JohnFugelsang) October 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/waltshaub/status/1052895544853622784
Well, their calendar says they were at Tobin’s house with Squi lifting weights so. . .
— Jet Optimist- Mark (@drmtesta) October 18, 2018
Really looking forward to your long, rambling speech about how you believe dismemberment isn't fatal.. https://t.co/cYRTED7WW5
— Alexandra Erin | patreon.com/AlexandraErin (@AlexandraErin) October 18, 2018
I am sure there can be a 7 day, 4 interview investigation prohibited from interviewing the principals to assuage your conscience.
— Cajsa 💙💛 (@Cajsa) October 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/aaronecarroll/status/1052911966711414784
"I'm so outraged that I will make a speech at 3 p.m. where I will crush your hopes that I'm anything other than a total Republican shitpile." https://t.co/zlXE3frfi0
— The Rude Pundit (@rudepundit) October 18, 2018
A tweet is always a great replacement for legislation when you are a Senator.
It shows you really care and are committed with fervor to the cause. https://t.co/je74Luf2on
— Tiffany Bond, Maine State House Rep#73 Candidate (@TiffanyBond) October 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/briansantamaria/status/1052775184401346560
Spoiler: She'll vote not guilty. https://t.co/CzIpslbZlF
— Tom Watson (@tomwatson) October 18, 2018
At this point you've shown that your "concern" about things is worth less than nothing. You're on the Intelligence Committee. Investigate Jared's contacts with the Saudis. Find out if anyone in the White House knew about the plan in advance. Actually DO SOMETHING. https://t.co/nwSVBE037E
— David Futrelle (@DavidFutrelle) October 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/Kris_Z_Massey/status/1052768456158916609
That last one pretty much sums it up. We’ll wait for some kind of action from her on bated breath.