Former US President Donald Trump has defended hosting the Saudi-funded tournament at his golf course in Bedminster, New Jersey, questioning any connection between the kingdom and the 9/11 attacks.
Asked to respond to harsh criticism from the families of 9/11 victims urging Americans to protest the Saudi-backed LIV golf championship, Trump said “uncertainty about attacks remains.”
“Well, no one got to the bottom of 9/11… unfortunately they should,” Trump added. Miles of Ground “Zero”, and accused golfers participating in the competition of receiving “blood money”.
Trump said in a press statement, “I think the LIV championship was a big deal for Saudi Arabia and for the image of Saudi Arabia.”
“I’ve known these guys in Saudi Arabia for a long time and they’ve been my friends for a long time,” Trump said.
It should be noted that the event is the first championship competition on U.S. soil, as Trump rejected calls from protesters to cancel the event.
On Friday, the Trump National Golf Club in Bidminster hosted the third event of the LIV Championship Golf, a new Saudi-backed professional course that competes for the PGA title.
In the lead-up to the weekend tournament, Trump promoted the event in interviews and public statements, urging golfers to join LIV Golf and humiliate the PGA championship.
A group of photos taken last Thursday morning show President Donald Trump playing golf with his son Eric, State Investment Fund manager Yasser Al Rumayan and a number of professional golfers.
Former US President Donald Trump ???????? is having a great time playing with his Saudi friends ????????Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) Manager Yasser Al Rumayan https://t.co/RMMQzdUYki
— Annette (@orchardcitygal) July 29, 2022
Source: “CNN” + “nbcnews”