Story perspectives

Trump Attacks Journalist Over Epstein and Khashoggi Questions

11/22/2025

Summary

Story summary

During a November 18, 2025 press conference, U.S. President Donald Trump criticized ABC News reporter Mary Bruce after she questioned him about the Epstein files and the 2018 Khashoggi murder.
Trump called Bruce a "terrible reporter" and urged ABC to revoke its broadcast license, saying the coverage is "fake news."
He defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and dismissed U.S. intelligence findings on Khashoggi's murder, drawing critics' condemnation as hostile toward journalists.

History

Historical Context

The 2018 assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul ignited global outrage, with U.S. intelligence concluding that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the killing. This incident strained U.S.-Saudi relations, as evidenced by President Trump's defense of bin Salman in 2025, highlighting ongoing tensions between political alliances and press freedom. Khashoggi's murder remains a pivotal moment in discussions about journalistic integrity.

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Story summary

During a November 18, 2025 press conference, U.S. President Donald Trump criticized ABC News reporter Mary Bruce after she questioned him about the Epstein files and the 2018 Khashoggi murder.
Trump called Bruce a "terrible reporter" and urged ABC to revoke its broadcast license, saying the coverage is "fake news."
He defended Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and dismissed U.S. intelligence findings on Khashoggi's murder, drawing critics' condemnation as hostile toward journalists.

1 / 2