United States Senator Bernie Sanders has launched a sharp criticism against President Donald Trump following his lavish reception of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House.
Social Media Condemnation Goes Viral
In a social media post that has been viewed over 1 million times, Senator Sanders accused President Trump of discriminatory attitudes toward Muslims. The Vermont independent, who caucuses with Democrats, made the statement on his verified X (formerly Twitter) page on Tuesday, November 18.
Sanders specifically stated that Trump dislikes Muslims in general, but makes an exception for "billionaire autocrats who can make his family even richer." The 84-year-old senator, who was a Democratic presidential candidate in both 2016 and 2020, has been increasingly vocal in his opposition to Trump's administration since the president's reelection in 2024.
Controversial White House Reception
The Saudi Crown Prince's visit marked his first trip to the United States since the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The CIA had previously concluded that bin Salman ordered the murder of the Washington Post columnist.
Despite this controversial background, President Trump rolled out an elaborate welcome ceremony for the Saudi leader. The event featured a literal red carpet, marching bands, flag-carrying horsemen, and a military flyover - all signaling the strengthening relationship between Riyadh and Washington.
Al Jazeera coverage noted that the warm reception emphasized the deepening ties between the two nations, drawing criticism from various quarters about the appropriateness of such honors given the Khashoggi assassination.
Broader Political Context
According to AP News, Senator Sanders has consistently condemned the Trump administration for what he describes as a right-wing oligarchy. His recent comments reflect ongoing tensions between progressive lawmakers and the current administration.
The senator's social media post directly connected Trump's hospitality toward the Saudi Crown Prince with financial interests, suggesting that the president's attitude toward Muslims varies based on their wealth and political influence.
This incident adds to the ongoing debate about US foreign policy in the Middle East and the consistency of American values in international relations.
