Hillary Clinton: Trump is 'part of the coverup' in killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi

Hillary Clinton has suggested that President Donald Trump is “part of the cover-up as to what happened” in the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

During a speaking tour stop in Toronto, the former secretary of state took jabs at the Trump administration’s response to the killing of Mr Khashoggi. Ms Clinton, who was Mr Trump's rival in the 2016 presidential election, alleged that his administration's response to the death is intended to protect the interests of Mr Trump and his colleagues

“We have a president who is part of the cover-up as to what happened in that consulate or embassy when Mr. Khashoggi was murdered,” Ms Clinton said. “And we have a president and those closest to him who have their own personal commercial interests,” she added.

Mr Khashoggi - a Washington Post columnist and a vocal critic of the Saudi Arabian royal family - was murdered when he visited Saudi Arabia's consulate in Istanbul last month.

Earlier this month, the CIA reportedly assessed to a "high level" of confidence that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was involved in the decision to kill Mr Khashoggi. Saudi Arabia has repeatedly denied any involvement from the crown prince, with the country's public prosecutor blaming a "rogue" group of would-be kidnappers.

Mr Trump has disregarded the CIA assessment and demanded that the investigation into Mr Khashoggi’s death continues.

Mr Trump also defended the Saudi crown prince during a press conference last Tuesday. “I hate the crime and I hate what is done and I hate the cover-up,” he said. “And I will tell you this, the crown prince hates it more than I do.”

Mr Trump and administration officials have said it will continue its alliance with Saudi Arabia, citing that sanctions or penalties against Saudi Arabia could affect oil prices and arms deals with the US.

“If you want to see oil prices go to $150 a barrel ... all you have to do is break up our relationship with Saudi Arabia,” Mr Trump said last week.

In a recent statement, the president also defended its position of standing behind Saudi Arabia by claiming the kingdom serves as a stronghold against Iran.

“They have been a great ally in our very important fight against Iran,” Mr Trump wrote. “The United States intends to remain a steadfast partner of Saudi Arabia to ensure the interests of our country, Israel and all other partners in the region. It is our paramount goal to fully eliminate the threat of terrorism throughout the world!”