Criticism of Trump's Meeting with Saudi Crown Prince by 9/11 Victim's Son

Brett Eagleson, the son of a victim of the September 11 attacks, publicly criticized President Donald Trump for his recent meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, commonly referred to as MBS. Eagleson accused Trump of failing to hold the crown prince accountable for Saudi Arabia's alleged role in the 9/11 attacks. During an interview with CNN, Eagleson expressed his frustration, stating, “We need resolution to this 25-year national nightmare that these families have been facing. And yesterday was a disgusting display of America’s ability to just whitewash the sins of their past because the Saudis came in with a bunch of money.”

The Hill

Eagleson emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with Saudi Arabia for peace but insisted that it should not come at the expense of justice for the families affected by the attacks. He called for a reckoning regarding the actions of elements within the Saudi government 25 years ago, asserting that Trump's meeting did not advance efforts to hold those responsible accountable.

The Hill

In response to inquiries about the trustworthiness of MBS, Trump labeled a reporter as a “terrible person” and a “terrible reporter.” Eagleson remarked on the nature of MBS's responses during the meeting, suggesting they were rehearsed rather than spontaneous. He highlighted the ongoing legal proceedings, noting that a federal judge in Manhattan has acknowledged credible evidence against Saudi Arabia, which could lead to the country standing trial for its alleged involvement in the attacks.

The Hill

The organization 9/11 Families United echoed Eagleson's sentiments, stating that MBS “knows nothing of the pain of the 9/11 families” and is actively working against efforts to reveal evidence of Saudi government support for al-Qaeda and the hijackers. They criticized Trump's approach, asserting, “We aren’t buying it, our allies in Congress aren’t buying it, and neither are the American people.”

The Hill

The criticism from Eagleson and 9/11 Families United reflects a broader concern among victims' families regarding the U.S. government's relationship with Saudi Arabia. The meeting has reignited discussions about accountability and the need for transparency regarding the events leading up to the 9/11 attacks. As families continue to seek justice, the responses from political leaders and organizations will likely influence public perception and policy regarding U.S.-Saudi relations.

The Hill

• “We need resolution to this 25-year national nightmare that these families have been facing.” — Brett Eagleson, Son of 9/11 Victim

The Hill

• “This idea that Osama bin Laden picked 15 of the 19 hijackers to be Saudi Arabia. Sure, while that may be true, it doesn’t — you can’t disregard the fact that right now a federal judge in the Southern District of Manhattan has said and reviewed credible evidence that we have presented enough evidence that his country must stand trial for the murder of my father, and nearly 3,000 Americans,” — Brett Eagleson, Son of 9/11 Victim

The Hill

• “The crown prince knows nothing of the pain of the 9/11 families.” — 9/11 Families United

The Hill

While Eagleson and 9/11 Families United have presented strong criticisms of Trump's meeting with MBS, there is a lack of detailed responses from the White House regarding the specific allegations of accountability and the implications of the meeting for U.S.-Saudi relations. Further clarification from government officials may be necessary to address these concerns comprehensively.

The Hill