Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia was a lavish affair, complete with gilded palaces, cannon salutes, and an opulent state dinner. He warmly spoke about Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, stating, “I really believe we like each other a lot.”
For Trump, the monarchy he holds in the highest regard is the British royal family. According to one biographer, his fascination with royalty runs deep, dating back to his mother’s admiration for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953. Trump’s love for grandeur is well-known — his youngest son’s name, Barron, reflects a noble title, and he’s decorated the White House with gold at every turn.
This penchant for the royal treatment isn’t new. As he travels through the Middle East, Trump is welcomed with extravagant displays fit for a king, surrounded by pageantry that appeals to his love for luxury. In Riyadh, on May 13, Trump’s arrival was met by a rare escort of Saudi Air Force F-15s and a lavender carpet, a color that honors Saudi identity and is reserved for high-profile dignitaries. An honor guard, wielding golden swords, stood in salute.
The royal treatment continued with a tour of palaces, cannon salutes, and a fleet of Arabian horses accompanying his presidential limousine. The next day, Trump landed in Doha, Qatar, where the Emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, greeted him with another elaborate ceremony. Red carpets, U.S. and Qatari flags, and even camels were part of the spectacle.
While in Qatar, Trump took part in another grand state dinner and sought major trade deals. Rumors swirled that the Qataris were considering gifting him a luxury jetliner valued at $400 million. As he sat with Crown Prince Mohammed in the Saudi royal palace, Trump basked in the royal atmosphere, commenting, “I really believe we like each other a lot.”
Trump’s trip isn’t just about ceremonial displays; it’s also about striking major trade deals with the Gulf states. At a Riyadh investment conference, Trump praised Crown Prince Mohammed, calling him an “incredible man” and a “great guy.” The warm feelings appeared mutual, especially when Trump pledged to lift U.S. sanctions on Syria, leading to a standing ovation from the crown prince.
Trump’s admiration for royalty is no secret. His biographer, Michael D’Antonio, noted that Trump has long sought a connection with royal families, particularly the British monarchy. Trump has met Queen Elizabeth II twice, once during his first presidency in 2018 and again in 2019, and has always been fascinated by royal life. D’Antonio argued that for Trump, the allure of being alongside royalty is more significant than any political accomplishment.
Despite his admiration for monarchy, Trump understands the strategic importance of Saudi Arabia. “All U.S. presidents recognize Saudi Arabia is a very important partner if you’re going to get anything done in the Middle East,” said Trump. The kingdom’s wealth, diplomatic power, and religious standing make it a vital player in the region.
As Trump continues his journey through the Gulf, some critics argue that his infatuation with luxury may distract him from critical political issues. Brett Bruen, former director of global engagement at the Obama White House, suggested that Trump’s admiration for the glitzy royal displays could cloud his focus on important U.S. agendas, such as human rights and the kingdom’s dealings with China.
Trump’s relationship with Saudi Arabia stands in stark contrast to that of President Biden, who in 2019 promised to hold the kingdom accountable for its human rights violations, notably the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Despite this, Biden later visited Saudi Arabia to push for increased oil production, highlighting the complex dynamics between the U.S. and the Gulf.
