Saudi Arabia severely punishes dissent, including with lashes and lengthy prison sentences, according to the U.S. State Department.
WASHINGTON ― Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross on Monday praised the lack of protesters during President Donald Trump’s weekend visit to Saudi Arabia, calling it evidence of the Saudis’ affection for the U.S. administration rather than a sign of the kingdom’s legendary repression.
“Theres no question that they’re liberalizing their society, and I think the other thing that was fascinating to me, there was not a single hint of a protester anywhere there during the whole time we were there,” Ross said in an appearance on CNBC. “Not one guy with a bad placard.”
Host Becky Quick interjected with some context.
“But Secretary Ross, that may be not necessarily because they don’t have those feelings there, but because they control people and don’t allow them to come and express their feelings quite the same way we do there,” she said.
Ross, who was on the trip but has returned to Washington, stood by his assessment.
More: Wilbur Ross Cheers Lack Of Protests During Trump's Saudi Visit
This has to be the dumbest presidential administration in U.S. history. Sad and embarrassing.
WASHINGTON ― Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross on Monday praised the lack of protesters during President Donald Trump’s weekend visit to Saudi Arabia, calling it evidence of the Saudis’ affection for the U.S. administration rather than a sign of the kingdom’s legendary repression.
“Theres no question that they’re liberalizing their society, and I think the other thing that was fascinating to me, there was not a single hint of a protester anywhere there during the whole time we were there,” Ross said in an appearance on CNBC. “Not one guy with a bad placard.”
Host Becky Quick interjected with some context.
“But Secretary Ross, that may be not necessarily because they don’t have those feelings there, but because they control people and don’t allow them to come and express their feelings quite the same way we do there,” she said.
Ross, who was on the trip but has returned to Washington, stood by his assessment.
More: Wilbur Ross Cheers Lack Of Protests During Trump's Saudi Visit
This has to be the dumbest presidential administration in U.S. history. Sad and embarrassing.
