U.S. President Donald Trump, flanked by U.S. representatives from California's Republican delegation, takes a question from a reporter after signing a presidential memorandum focused on water policy in California's Central Valley, at a conference center in Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S., October 19, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

GLENDALE, Ariz. (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said on Friday that Saudi Arabia’s explanation for how journalist Jamal Khashoggi died at its consulate in Istanbul was credible.

Speaking to reporters, Trump said Saudi Arabia’s announcement on the circumstances of Khashoggi’s death was a “good first step.” He also said he prefers that any sanctions against Riyadh not include canceling big defense orders.