President Trump arrived in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday morning, welcomed with a striking display of military solidarity as six Saudi F-15 fighter jets flanked Air Force One during the final thirty minutes of its approach. The aircraft flew in tight formation, with three jets on each wing, as the presidential plane entered the kingdom’s airspace.
Journalists traveling with the president noted the rare and symbolic escort, which drew attention both in the air and online. Dan Scavino, Trump’s deputy chief of staff, shared a video of the moment on social media, writing on X, “Thank you for the escort, and having President Trump’s back—We all appreciate it. See you on the ground shortly, THANK YOU!!!”
Once the plane touched down, Trump stepped out of Air Force One with a fist-pump salute and was received at the tarmac by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The two walked together down a lavender carpet leading to an official reception area, where they took part in a traditional coffee ceremony.
Several top U.S. officials accompanied the president on the trip, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
The Saudi capital, baking under intense heat, was adorned with American flags along key roadways in anticipation of the visit. Digital billboards lining the streets also promoted the newly announced Disney Abu Dhabi theme park, located just across the border in the UAE.
Trump’s itinerary for the day included a keynote speech at an investor forum, where he was set to appear alongside prominent tech leaders such as Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Sam Altman. The day would conclude with a formal state dinner.
This trip marks the first stop on Trump’s three-nation Middle East tour, which also includes Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, with a primary focus on attracting foreign investment into the U.S. economy.
{Matzav.com}
Military solidarity, or “you better behave or else…”?