Despite the controversies surrounding the white house amid the aftermath of firing FBI Director James Comey and the introduction of a special prosecutor on the Russia Investigation, President Donald Trump made his first trip abroad Saturday (May 20) visiting Saudi Arabia.
Trump's stop in Suadi Arabia marks the first on a nine-day, five-country tour across the Middle East and Europe. The goal of the trip is to strengthen partnerships with allies. Greeted by red carpet at the King Khalid airport, Trump exited Air Force One welcomed by King Salman and other Saudi officials.
"Great to be in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia," Trump tweeted his arrival. "Looking forward to the afternoon and evening ahead."
First lady Melania Trump accompanying the President did not wear a headscarf when she greeted the king of Saudi Arabia on Saturday. Islamic women are required by sharia law to cover their heads in public. However, there's no law for western women. While this wouldn't be an issue, in 2015 during a presidential visit, Michelle Obama chose not to wear a hijab prompting Trump to tweet. "Many people are saying it was wonderful that Mrs. Obama refused to wear a scarf in Saudi Arabia, but they were insulted,... We have enough enemies."
President Trump is the first US president to choose a Muslim-majority nation for his first stop abroad, and his white house officials noted the decision was meant to calm sentiments that Trump is anti-Muslim following his attempts at a travel ban aimed at Muslim nations. Trump is set to deliver a major speech Sunday to the leaders of more than two dozen Muslim nations with the message of ending Islamic extremists.
Next on the itinerary of visits will be Israel, Italy, the Vatican and Belgium.
Source: twitter.com
