Ahead of President Biden's Trip to Saudi Arabia, Blumenthal Expresses Concerns With Saudi-Funded LIV Golf
New golf league is, “an attempt by the Saudi government to ‘sports-wash’ its reputation,” wrote Blumenthal
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Ahead of President Joe Biden’s upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) expressed concerns about LIV Golf, the new league funded by Saudi oil revenue.
“LIV is entirely funded by Saudi Arabia’s Pubic Investment Fund, Saudi oil revenue that is dependent on the whims of a monarch whose nation has an atrocious human rights record and has at times acted in a brutal and hostile way to the United States and our citizens,” Blumenthal wrote to Biden.
While promoted as a way to diversify the Saudi economy, Blumenthal called the league, “an attempt by the Saudi government to “sports-wash” its reputation by focusing the American public’s attention on Saudi Arabia’s association with a popular U.S. sport and away from its government officials’ links to abhorrent acts.”
Citing the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, the war in Yemen, ties to the September 11th hijackers, refusal to disclose information to 9/11 families, and evasion of accountability for supporting terrorist activities, Blumenthal urged President Biden to make human rights, democracy, and the rule of law a focus of his upcoming trip to the country.
“[W]hile I recognize the value of your upcoming trip, I strongly urge you keep your focus on human rights. Stand firm on truth, accountability, and justice by urging the Saudi Arabian government to reset its conduct through respect for human rights and the rule of law,” Blumenthal concluded.
The full text of the letter can be found here.
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