Presidential Visits to Saudi Arabia: A History of Memorable Moments
As President Trump prepares for his upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia, we recall notable presidential encounters in this oil-rich kingdom over the decades. These trips have produced a mix of significant and curious moments, reflecting the evolving U.S.-Saudi relationship.
In 2022, President Biden’s visit to Jeddah was marked by a photo-op featuring a fist bump with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This gesture came amidst Biden’s contentious stance on Saudi Arabia following the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. While Biden had previously labeled the nation a “pariah,” soaring oil prices due to the Ukraine conflict necessitated a diplomatic reset. After the fist bump, which ignited media scrutiny, Biden noted he had confronted the crown prince about the incident, but little change in Saudi oil production followed.
In 2017, President Trump’s touch of a glowing white orb while in Riyadh became an internet sensation. Joined by King Salman and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the image quickly spawned memes likening Trump to a “Lord of the Rings” villain. The orb, meant to symbolize the fight against extremism, was later revealed to be a benign decorative piece.
Reflecting on earlier years, President Nixon visited Jeddah in 1974, seeking not only reduced oil prices but also Saudi influence in fostering Middle Eastern peace. He famously stated, "We need wisdom," underscoring the multifaceted nature of U.S.-Saudi relations.
In 1945, President Roosevelt met King Abdulaziz al-Saud aboard a U.S. warship. To charm the ailing king, Roosevelt gifted him a wheelchair, symbolizing the diplomatic outreach that has characterized U.S.-Saudi interactions throughout history.
These moments highlight the complexities and quirks of U.S. presidents engaging with Saudi Arabia, a relationship fraught with both strategic necessity and personal diplomacy.
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