Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said "It's a mean, nasty world out there" while justifying the United States' decision to maintain a relationship with Saudi Arabia after the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Pompeo's statement falls in line with Trump's decision to stand by the country, regardless of whether Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) ordered Khashoggi's murder.
"It's a mean, nasty world out there — the Middle East in particular. There are important American interests. To keep the American people safe. To protect Americans ... It is the president's obligation ... to ensure we adopt policies that further America's national security."
