Below is a transcript of an interview conducted with former Senator Richard Blumenthal on “Face the Nation” on June 18, 2023.
ROBERT COSTA: The professional golf world has been divided between the PGA Tour and the LIV golf league, backed by Saudi Arabia. These two leagues recently announced plans to unite, which has sparked backlash due to Saudi Arabia’s human rights abuses and the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut has launched a Senate investigation into this merger, and he is joining us from Bridgeport. Welcome, Senator Blumenthal.
SENATOR RICHARD BLUMENTHAL: Thank you for having me, Bob.
ROBERT COSTA: Senator, you have requested more information from the PGA and LIV regarding the details of their agreement. What specifically are you looking for?
SEN. BLUMENTHAL: The Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, which I chair, is seeking to uncover the facts surrounding this deal. We want to know who was involved, whether there was any misconduct, and what the future structure and governance of this entity will be. As it stands, we have very few details, but what we do know is that a repressive foreign government is taking control of an iconic American institution in an attempt to clean up their public image. The Saudis have made their strategic objective clear. They have engaged in numerous activities that go against American interests and values, including the killing of Jamal Khashoggi, torture and imprisonment of dissidents, support for anti-democratic and terrorist activities like 9/11, and involvement in the internal war in Yemen. Allowing the Saudis to take over this American institution poses a real risk to our national interests. We need to get to the bottom of it.
ROBERT COSTA: How deep are you willing to investigate? Are you also seeking records from the players?
SEN. BLUMENTHAL: We welcome the cooperation of the players, as many of them are dissatisfied with this merger. They feel betrayed, as do the families affected by 9/11. Currently, we are requesting records and documents, but we are open to pursuing all available legal means, including subpoenas and hearings, to obtain the information we need.
ROBERT COSTA: When do you anticipate holding a hearing on Capitol Hill?
SEN. BLUMENTHAL: It’s possible that a hearing could take place within a few weeks. The American people deserve a clear understanding of the facts. I want to emphasize that we are not jumping to conclusions, but it’s important to recognize that the Saudis are not just taking control of a single team or player. They are essentially taking charge of the entire sport, and it’s not just an individual from Saudi Arabia, it’s the entire regime.
ROBERT COSTA: Do you see this as a national security concern?
SEN. BLUMENTHAL: There are certainly national security implications to this deal. Anytime a repressive regime has foreign influence over a significant American institution, there is a security risk. The institution in question plays a central role in our society and culture, with players serving as ambassadors and role models. Additionally, there are economic implications, as events like the Travelers tournament have a significant impact on local economies. Allowing a repressive regime to have this level of influence over such a cherished American institution poses clear risks to our national security.
ROBERT COSTA: Some argue that the Saudi stake is a minority one. What is your response to that?
SEN. BLUMENTHAL: We have yet to receive authoritative information on the terms of the deal. However, reports indicate that the chairman of the Saudi Public Investment Fund, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, a close confidant of the ruling monarchy, will assume the position. This suggests that the Saudis are indeed taking control. The families affected by 9/11 feel betrayed, as do the players. I personally met with PGA tour leadership last year, and they sought our support in bringing players back from LIV. In addition, there are reportedly ongoing antitrust investigations by the Justice Department. There is a lot at stake here, and it deserves attention.
ROBERT COSTA: We look forward to hearing more from you in the coming weeks. Thank you, Senator Blumenthal, for joining us. And we should note that the PGA Tour declined our invitation for Commissioner Jay Monahan to appear on the broadcast due to medical leave. In a statement, the PGA Tour expressed confidence that once all stakeholders have more information, they will understand the benefits of this merger for players, fans, and the sport. We’ll be right back.
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