During his visit to Saudi Arabia, President Trump experienced a warm welcome from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, amidst a lavish setting reminiscent of his Mar-a-Lago estate. The president's arrival was marked by a military escort of F-15 fighter jets and a ceremonial procession featuring Arabian horse riders.
Upon entering the Royal Court in Riyadh, Mr. Trump was greeted with grandeur, including gold leaf decor and a long lavender carpet. The president expressed a strong rapport with the crown prince, saying, “I really believe we like each other a lot,” while they explored the opulent surroundings.
Following a lunch at the Royal Court, Mr. Trump addressed the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum. Attendees included defense contractors and financiers who engaged with virtual reality displays and architectural models of ambitious projects like “The Line” and “Trojena.” Notably, a few MAGA hats were visible among the traditional attire of Saudi participants.
Mr. Trump also toured a historical exhibition that highlighted U.S.-Saudi relations over the past eight decades, including a desk gifted to King Abdulaziz Al Saud by President Harry S. Truman. This was complemented by references to the 1945 meeting between King Abdulaziz and President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
The day concluded with a state dinner, where Mr. Trump participated in the festivities with Prince Mohammed, including a rendition of Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.” The welcome procession began at King Khalid International Airport, where the crown prince personally greeted Mr. Trump, signifying the special relationship between the two leaders.
Prince Mohammed showcased Diriyah, a historic site being developed into a major tourism hub, and took Mr. Trump on a tour in a golf cart. For the night, the president stayed at the Ritz-Carlton Riyadh, a hotel with a complex history, known both for its luxury and its past use as a detention center for political opponents during the crown prince's anti-corruption campaign.