Despite the conclusions of the CIA, the president also indicated he believes claims by the Saudi crown prince that he had nothing to do with the journalist’s killing.
Trump administration imposes sanctions on 17 Saudis after kingdom announces the indictment of 11 citizens in the crime.
National security adviser John Bolton said the recording, in which someone refers to a “boss” in Saudi Arabia, does not provide a link to Mohammed bin Salman.
The president has emphasized the importance of military and economic ties with the kingdom.
It’s unclear whether Mohammed will pay a political price for the death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Saudi Arabia, in latest reversal, appears to acknowledge that journalist’s killing was premeditated.
Officials in the region worry that Iran will see an opportunity to exploit the fallout from the Saudi journalist’s killing.
The disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi has thrown a spotlight on the authoritarian rule of Saudi Arabia’s crown prince.
Andrew Brunson, detained on espionage and terrorism charges, could be released under a deal in which he would be sentenced to time served.
The incident marks one of a limited number of times in which the United States has struck out directly at forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.