Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman gave Donald Trump a lavish welcome in Riyadh on Tuesday, showcasing fighter jets and cavalry as part of the reception.
Just before Air Force One arrived in the Saudi capital, Trump’s advisor Dan Scavino shared a video on X, showing a Saudi Arabian F-15 escorting the presidential plane on its approach to Riyadh.
Upon landing, Trump was greeted by Prince Mohamed on the tarmac, where an honorary guard awaited him, and the purple carpet was laid out.
It’s likely that the extravagant displays typical of wealthy Gulf monarchies resonated with Trump’s own tastes, which blend military flair with opulence.
The US President has also announced plans for a rare military parade in Washington next month, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the military alongside his 79th birthday.
This warm reception underscored the close personal bond between the two leaders, contrasting sharply with the chilly relations present at the start of Joe Biden’s presidency.
– “I think we like each other” –
During a bilateral meeting, Trump remarked, “I really think we like each other very much,” to Prince Mohamed.
Biden had previously promised repercussions for the crown prince after US intelligence linked him to the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, although he later sought to mend ties during a meeting in Riyadh.
Under Trump, the Saudi crown prince was the first foreign leader to reach out to a newly elected president.
After leaving the tarmac, Trump and the crown prince engaged in lively discussions at a reception in the Royal Terminal.
The two leaders sat in ornate chairs next to a gilded table, beneath a large portrait of the Crown Prince, King Salman, and the kingdom’s late founder.
Trump’s armored vehicle, often referred to as the “beast,” then made its way to the Alyamama Palace in Riyadh, flanked by cavalry dressed in traditional attire.
The two men traversed the elaborate marble corridors with gilded wooden doors before arriving at the expansive reception hall adorned with grand chandeliers.
They smiled and waved at a long line of businesspeople and officials waiting to greet them.
Elon Musk, a prominent ally of Trump and the world’s richest person, was also in attendance.
The grandeur typical of Gulf nations likely appeals to Trump’s affinity for luxurious surroundings; he has recently embellished the Oval Office with gold decorations and coasters.
Defending the lavish decor, Trump stated, “It becomes more and more beautiful with love—we treat it with great care—and it’s also 24-karat gold, which certainly helps.”
