In brief
President Trump's first day in Saudi Arabia was marked by royal treatment, highlighting the close alliance between the two nations.
On May 13, 2025, President Trump arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he was welcomed with extraordinary pomp and circumstance by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Despite being thousands of miles away from his Florida estate, the setting echoed the lavish atmosphere of Mar-a-Lago, with grand chandeliers, polished marble, and regal decor throughout the Saudi Royal Court.Amidst the backdrop of gold accents and an extravagant welcome that included three F-15 fighter jets escorting Air Force One, President Trump received an honor guard greeting. The royal welcome continued as the president was led along a long lavender carpet, flanked by horse riders, and greeted with a fanfare of musical horns. The camaraderie was palpable, as President Trump expressed his fondness for the crown prince and their shared business interests. "I really believe we like each other a lot," Trump remarked while sitting in the king's executive office surrounded by the luxurious trappings of the royal court. The close relationship between the Trump family and the Saudi royals was evident, particularly in how well they catered to the president's preferred tastes, setting the tone for what promises to be a productive diplomatic visit over the next four days.
