President Trump’s shameful groveling at the feet of the Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman of Saudi Arabia has been rightfully slammed by voices on the right and left as a disgusting act of immoral obsequience.
After the CIA concluded that bin Salman ordered the murder and dismemberment of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Trump announced that he will do absolutely nothing about it. What’s more, he released a jaw-dropping statement rife with Saudi talking points in which he smeared Khashoggi.
Instead of tackling the issue as an American president should — with fierce condemnation and possible economic reprisals — Trump has decided to heap praise on the Saudis. He took to Twitter today to ramble about oil prices, trying to provide cover for his cowardice by painting his decision to ignore Khashoggi’s murder as a tough, business-minded, realpolitik decision.
He ludicrously characterized lower oil prices as a “big Tax cut for America and the World.” The implication, which happens to be patently untrue, is that his decision not to take action against bin Salman is single-handedly leading to a decrease in the cost of petroleum.
Oil prices getting lower. Great! Like a big Tax Cut for America and the World. Enjoy! $54, was just $82. Thank you to Saudi Arabia, but let’s go lower!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 21, 2018
In response to the president’s absurd tweet, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation took to Twitter to point out that while Donald Trump — they chose not to refer to him as President Trump — is thanking Saudi Arabia, the United States only imports 11% of its oil from Saudia Arabia. The lion’s share, 40%, comes from Canada.
It’s worth noting that Trump has repeatedly attacked, insulted, and weakened our relationship with our northern neighbor, a fact which exposes the lie behind his supposed rationale for supporting Saudi Arabia. If he really cared so much about oil prices, he would be building a stronger friendship with Canada, not breaking it down.
Donald Trump has just tweeted a thank you to Saudi Arabia for current low oil prices, which he likens to 'a big Tax Cut for America and the World!' In fact, Canada is the US's biggest supplier of imported oil at 40%, compared to only 11% from Saudi Arabia.
— CBC News Alerts (@CBCAlerts) November 21, 2018
Also, Saudi Arabia has sought to boost oil prices by promising to pump fewer barrels in December. A week ago, it backed a proposal for OPEC nations to cut production by one million barrels per day.
— CBC News Alerts (@CBCAlerts) November 21, 2018
