U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled he will not take action against the Saudi government over the killing of a Saudi journalist.
For more on this and other news around the world we turn to our Ro Aram…
Aram… There have been calls from home and abroad for the U.S. to punish the kingdom for the murder… but Trump is sticking to his guns….
That's right Mark… Trump is defending U.S. ties to Saudi Arabia despite acknowledging that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman may have known about the plan to murder Jamal Khashoggi.
In a statement on Tuesday, the U.S. President said the kingdom is a "steadfast partner" that has agreed to invest a record amount of money in the U.S.
He also described Saudi Arabia as a "spectacular ally" that has helped in America's fight against Iran.
Trump has resisted calls from U.S. lawmakers to impose sanctions on Riyadh, such as canceling military contracts with the kingdom.
Speaking to the press later in the day, Trump said such a move would only benefit Russia and China.
He also cited Riyadh's influence over oil prices for wanting to maintain economic ties.
The CIA has concluded that Prince Salman may have ordered Khashoggi's killing, but President Trump has been reluctant to endorse that assessment.
The Trump administration has, however, imposed sanctions on 17 Saudis accused of participating in the killing, but lawmakers want tougher measures that target the Saudi government.
