Fighter jets, chandeliers, a Cybertruck: See the pomp of Trump's Middle East visit
It is the first major foreign trip of Trump's second term, making a swing through the three wealthy Gulf nations of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Qatar, focusing on economic and investment deals in a region beset with geopolitical volatility.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump is making the trip for "commerce and cultural exchanges."
Trump's Middle East visit: Personal diplomacy and family business intersect in Gulf tour
Trump was greeted with elaborate pomp and ceremony in Saudi Arabia's capital on May 13, much like his first official visit in 2017.
His arrival into Saudi airspace was flanked by an escort of F-15 fighter jets, landing at the King Khalid International Airport Royal Terminal to an awaiting lavender carpet lined by riders on Arabian horses, guards in regalia and a live band. He was greeted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto leader of the Gulf kingdom.
Trump's visit included a coffee ceremony, participation in a Saudi-U.S. investment forum, a visit to a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an extravagant state dinner.
His visit is a divergence from the tradition among modern U.S. presidents to visit Mexico or Canada during their first foreign trip, which comes after his administration levied tariffs against the neighboring nations early in his term.
Trump's visit places economic deals at the fore, and kicked off the visit with the announcement of a $600 billion commitment from Saudi Arabia to invest in the U.S. and a $142 billion U.S. arms package for the oil-rich nation.
The president also announced during his visit that the U.S. will lift long-standing sanctions on Syria and met with the nation's president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, urging him to normalize ties with Israel.
What are the Abraham Accords? Trump says his 'fervent hope' is for Saudi Arabia to join
Trump's second day began with a similarly carpet-lined arrival, this time red in color. His visit to the country comes amid backlash at home after the president signaled he may accept a Boeing 747 from the government of Qatar as the next presidential aircraft. The proposal has sparked questions about foreign influence on his administration and furthers concerns over Trump's close business ties with the region.
Dig deeper: Trump in talks to accept luxury jet from Qatar's royal family
Not to be outdone, Qatar's reception of the U.S. president featured its own fighter jet escort of Air Force One, and red Tesla Cybertrucks accompanied the motorcade on the ground.
Kathryn Palmer is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at kapalmer@usatoday.com and on X @KathrynPlmr.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The pomp of Trump's Middle East visit: Jets, soldiers, a Cybertruck
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