Saudi fighter jets escort Air Force One as Trump arrives to meet crown prince
President Donald Trump arrived in Saudi Arabia as part of his first major overseas trip of his second term, with Air Force One being escorted by Saudi fighter jets upon arrival. The welcoming ceremony at King Khalid International Airport included a greeting by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and a coffee ceremony. Prominent members of Trump's administration, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accompanied him on the trip. The itinerary for the day included a ceremony at the Royal Court in Riyadh, followed by greetings with Saudi officials and U.S. guests. Trump was scheduled to have lunch and participate in meetings over a three-hour period with the Saudi leadership.
Context:
President Donald Trump arrived in Saudi Arabia as part of his first major overseas trip of his second term, with Air Force One being escorted by Saudi fighter jets upon arrival. The welcoming ceremony at King Khalid International Airport included a greeting by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and a coffee ceremony. Prominent members of Trump's administration, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accompanied him on the trip. The itinerary for the day included a ceremony at the Royal Court in Riyadh, followed by greetings with Saudi officials and U.S. guests. Trump was scheduled to have lunch and participate in meetings over a three-hour period with the Saudi leadership.
Dive Deeper:
Upon arrival in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, President Trump's Air Force One was escorted by Saudi F-15 fighter jets, signifying the importance of his visit and the warm reception planned by the Saudi government.
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino shared a video on social media showing the fighter jets flanking Air Force One, which emphasized the coordinated and ceremonial nature of Trump's arrival.
After landing, President Trump was greeted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on a purple carpet, a significant gesture highlighting the diplomatic ties and mutual respect between the two nations.
The welcoming ceremony included a traditional coffee ceremony, which symbolizes hospitality and is a customary part of Saudi Arabian culture during high-profile visits.
Key members of Trump's administration, such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, were part of the delegation, indicating the strategic importance of the discussions expected to take place.
The schedule included a formal welcome at the Royal Court, where Trump engaged with both Saudi officials and U.S. guests, laying the groundwork for diplomatic discussions.
The visit's agenda encompassed a lunch and meetings over a three-hour period, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing shared geopolitical concerns.