In a display that epitomized luxury and diplomatic amity, Saudi Arabia rolled out the lavender carpet for President Donald J. Trump on his visit to Riyadh. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman orchestrated an opulent reception reflecting their shared penchant for grandeur and their nations' intertwined interests in diplomacy and business.
President Trump, far from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, seemed perfectly at home amid the polished marble floors, gilded décor, and crystal chandeliers of the Saudi Royal Court. The setting could well have been dubbed "Mar-a-Lago East."
From the moment Air Force One entered Saudi airspace—flanked by an escort of F-15 fighter jets—the elaborate ceremony was a testament to the close ties between the Trump administration and the Saudi royal family. On the tarmac at the Royal Terminal of King Khalid International Airport, Prince Mohammed personally greeted Mr. Trump, a gesture reserved for the closest of allies. This stood in stark contrast to President Biden's 2022 reception, where a regional governor greeted him.
The president was then whisked to the Royal Court in his limousine, accompanied by Arabian horse riders and a brass band fanfare. Strolling alongside Prince Mohammed on a lavender carpet, Mr. Trump took in the gilded furniture and the dazzling surroundings with visible approval.
“I really believe we like each other a lot,” Mr. Trump remarked during a meeting with Prince Mohammed in the king’s executive office.
The visit also celebrated the nations' shared history. Mr. Trump toured a "gallery of memories" featuring milestones in the U.S.-Saudi partnership, including gifts exchanged by past leaders and a desk from President Harry Truman.
Real Estate and Megaprojects
The crown prince appealed to Mr. Trump’s well-documented love for real estate by showcasing Diriyah, a UNESCO heritage site being transformed into a $60 billion commercial and residential development. Prince Mohammed personally drove Mr. Trump in a golf cart to view the scale model of the project, highlighting the kingdom’s vision of blending history with modern luxury.
The president was also the guest of honor at the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum, held in a ballroom glittering with chandeliers the size of tanks. Defense contractors and financiers mingled with Saudi officials as they discussed ambitious projects like “The Line,” a 100-mile-long mirrored skyscraper, and “Trojena,” a planned mountain ski resort.
A Shared Affinity for Opulence
Throughout the visit, the hospitality underscored the personal connection between the Trump and Al Saud families, who share a mutual appreciation for opulence and a flair for spectacle. The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh, where Mr. Trump stayed, is as much a symbol of luxury as it is of power—having served as a temporary detention center for Prince Mohammed's anti-corruption campaign in 2017.
After a state dinner and a performance of "God Bless the U.S.A.," Mr. Trump retired to his suite at the Ritz, no doubt feeling both at home and among friends.
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