Trump stands by hosting Saudi-funded LIV Golf events

Jack Birle

October 30, 04:36 PM October 30, 04:36 PM

Former President Donald Trump is not backing down from hosting events for the controversial Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour at his golf courses.

Trump, in brief remarks to the New York Times while he was at his Miami area golf course, dismissed criticisms of LIV Golf and instead criticized the PGA Tour.

TRUMP UNFAZED BY HECKLERS AT LIV GOLF EVENT

“We have human rights issues in this country, too,” Trump said, deflecting criticisms of the Saudi government.

He also stated that the PGA Tour "has been destroyed by the PGA" and it "should have embraced instead of fighting" with LIV Golf. He claimed the Saudi-backed golf tour has "unlimited" funds.

The former president has received criticism for hosting the events, with opponents of LIV Golf noting its funding comes from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. Saudi Arabia has a checkered history with human rights, with the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi being the most public recent example.

Trump and LIV Golf have also received criticisms for the potential links Saudi Arabia had to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, particularly by the families of the victims.

The golf tour is seen widely as "sport-washing," or an effort to fix the country's public image through sporting events.