U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled he will not take action against the Saudi government over the killing of a Saudi journalist.<br />For more on this and other news around the world we turn to our Ro Aram…<br />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….<br /><br /> 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. <br /> 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.<br />He also described Saudi Arabia as a "spectacular ally" that has helped in America's fight against Iran. <br /> Trump has resisted calls from U.S. lawmakers to impose sanctions on Riyadh, such as canceling military contracts with the kingdom.<br />Speaking to the press later in the day, Trump said such a move would only benefit Russia and China.<br />He also cited Riyadh's influence over oil prices for wanting to maintain economic ties.<br /> The CIA has concluded that Prince Salman may have ordered Khashoggi's killing, but President Trump has been reluctant to endorse that assessment. <br />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. <br />
