Clinton’s ex-press secretary now serves the Saudi prince he once criticized
Former Clinton Press Secretary Registers as Foreign Agent of Saudi Crown Prince
Joe Lockhart, the former press secretary for Bill Clinton, once described Saudi crown prince Muhammad bin Salman as “one of the most ruthless killers in the world.” This statement could create an awkward situation for Lockhart, who recently registered as a foreign agent for a sovereign wealth fund controlled by the Saudi leader.
Lockhart, currently a managing director at the public relations firm Rational 360, has officially registered with the Department of Justice as a foreign agent of the Public Investment Fund. This fund, valued at $800 billion and controlled by bin Salman (also known as MBS), will be the focus of Lockhart’s ”public relations and communications support” efforts. He will also engage with Congress and the executive branch on behalf of the fund, as stated in his disclosure. Notably, the Saudi fund recently reached an agreement with the Professional Golf Association to merge with the Saudi-backed LIV Tour.
This turn of events may expose Lockhart to accusations of hypocrisy. As a former CNN pundit and NFL spokesman, Lockhart heavily criticized former president Donald Trump during his tenure for his close ties to MBS and the Saudi government. He accused Trump, Ivanka Trump, and Jared Kushner of attempting to profit from their relationship with Saudi Arabia.
In 2020, Lockhart claimed that Kushner “covered up” for MBS following the Saudi leader’s order to assassinate journalist Jamal Khashoggi. In 2019, Lockhart referred to MBS as one of “the most ruthless killers in the world,” alongside Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, due to his involvement in Khashoggi’s death.
Lockhart also made unsubstantiated claims, such as alleging that Trump received financing from Russia or Saudi Arabia to settle debts owed to the Bank of China. Additionally, he falsely stated in September 2020 that Trump had suffered a stroke during his campaign, prompting the Trump campaign to demand Lockhart’s dismissal from CNN.
The exact financial benefits Lockhart will receive from the Saudi dictator’s investment fund remain unclear. According to Rational 360’s filings, the details of their contract with the Saudis are still being negotiated. Neither the firm nor Lockhart has responded to requests for comment, and the Saudi embassy has also remained silent on the matter.
Lockhart’s apparent hypocrisy brings to mind another Democratic operative, Bakari Sellers. Sellers, a Democratic consultant and CNN contributor, registered as a foreign agent of Liberia in 2021, as reported by the Washington Free Beacon. This is noteworthy because Sellers has accused the Republican Party of being homophobic, while Liberia has criminalized homosexuality.
How does Joe Lockhart’s decision to work for the Saudi crown prince’s sovereign wealth fund undermine his credibility and expose him to accusations of hypocrisy?
Anka Trump, and Jared Kushner of being “enablers” of MBS and failing to hold him accountable for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Lockhart went as far as calling MBS a “ruthless killer” in a Twitter post. Now, by representing the Saudi crown prince’s sovereign wealth fund, Lockhart is raising eyebrows and inviting criticism for his apparent reversal in stance.
Critics argue that Lockhart’s decision to work for the Saudi crown prince undermines his credibility and exposes him to accusations of putting personal gain above his previously stated principles. They question whether Lockhart truly believes in the values he previously espoused or if he is simply willing to switch his allegiances for financial gain.
Lockhart, however, defends his move, highlighting that advocating for a controversial figure or government does not necessarily mean endorsing or condoning their actions. He argues that his role as a public relations professional is to provide strategic counsel and communication support to clients, regardless of their reputations or controversies. Lockhart claims that by working with the Public Investment Fund, he can contribute to positive changes and reforms within Saudi Arabia and the region.
It is important to note that Lockhart is not the first former government official or political figure to register as a foreign agent. Many politicians and lobbyists have taken on similar roles in their post-government careers. However, Lockhart’s case stands out due to his public criticism of MBS and the Saudi government in the past.
This development also sheds light on the complex nature of public relations and the ethical dilemmas faced by professionals in the field. Public relations practitioners often find themselves navigating the line between representing clients and endorsing their actions. Lockhart’s move highlights the challenges of balancing personal beliefs and professional responsibilities in a highly politicized and controversial industry.
As Lockhart embarks on this new role, he should be prepared to face intense scrutiny and backlash. Critics will undoubtedly question his motives and integrity, making it crucial for Lockhart to clearly articulate his stance and justify his decision. Additionally, Lockhart should be transparent in his communication efforts and ensure that the voice of the Saudi crown prince’s sovereign wealth fund aligns with ethical standards and respects human rights.
In conclusion, Joe Lockhart’s decision to register as a foreign agent for the Saudi crown prince’s sovereign wealth fund raises concerns and invites accusations of hypocrisy. While Lockhart defends his move as a strategic decision to promote positive changes in Saudi Arabia, critics argue that it undermines his credibility and principles. This development highlights the ethical challenges faced by public relations professionals in navigating controversial clients and balancing personal beliefs with professional responsibilities. As Lockhart enters this new role, transparent communication and ethical conduct will be key to maintaining his reputation and credibility.
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