What they're saying: Opinions split on U.S. response to Khashoggi
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Former CIA Director John Brennan told NBC News' Chuck Todd on Sunday that Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has been given "increased confidence" by his relationship with the White House, which may explain his alleged action against journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
The big picture: The White House is still considering responses to the disappearance and potential murder of Khashoggi at the hands of Saudi Arabia. Trump said there would be "severe punishment" if the kingdom is found to be at fault, but has been vocally opposed to cutting off arms deals. Brennan said Trump is "siding up to authoritarian leaders around the globe ... condemnation of the press that's critical of him, [and] continued dishonesty and denials of reality ... has encouraged MBS to go along this road."
Chief White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow
Kudlow told ABC News' George Stephanopoulos that Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is waiting to see what else comes out about Khashoggi, but still plans to attend the Saudi investment conference — despite many other participants pulling out in protest.
"At the moment, he is intending to go because of the importance of the issue of ending terror financing. ... Mr. Mnuchin will make up his mind as the week progresses and as new information surfaces."
Senator Marco Rubio
Rubio told CNN's Jake Tapper that Mnuchin should not go to the conference and pretend it's "business as usual," and a weak response from the U.S. could undermine the U.S.' "ability to stand for morality and human rights all over the world."
"I don't think any of our government officials should be going and pretending as it's business as usual, until we know exactly what's happened here."
Senator Bernie Sanders
Sanders, a frequent critic of the U.S.' support of the Saudis in the war in Yemen, also told Tapper there has to be sanctions and a stopping of arms sales.
"We cannot have an ally who murders in cold blood. ... I think one of the strongest things we can do is not only stop military sales, not only put sanctions on Saudi Arabia, but most importantly, get out of this terrible, terrible war in Yemen.
