During his first major diplomatic tour since returning to the White House, US President Donald Trump sparked controversyafter returning a salute to Saudi military officials during a formal reception in Riyadh. The gesture, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, has ignited a wave of online reactions, both critical and supportive.
The incident occurred at the Royal Palace, where President Trump was received by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. As part of the official welcome, a line of Saudi military officials saluted the American president. Trump, standing beside the Crown Prince, returned the salute, a move that some Internet users deemed “inappropriate” or “unreal,” while others defended it as a courteous show of respect to a military ally.
“A very confused Trump just saluted Saudi military officials at the Royal Court in Riyadh – a blatant breach of US presidential protocol,” said Chris D Jackson on social media.
This marks the second notable occasion where Trump has been seen saluting a foreign military officer. In 2018, a video of Trump saluting a North Korean general drew similar scrutiny.
Critics online compared the moment to a past controversy involving President Barack Obama, who in 2009 bowed to Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah. At that time, Trump himself condemned Obama’s gesture, calling him an “amateur.”
Why is it controversial?
There is no formal protocol requiring a US president to return salutes, though military officials are trained to return them when offered by members of a foreign military from a friendly nation. Experts argue that the salute, while not obligatory for a civilian leader like the president, can be interpreted as a gesture of mutual respect and military professionalism.
The salute came during a high-profile visit in which President Trump signed a massive $600 billion investment agreement with Saudi Arabia. The deal includes a historic $142 billion defense package, $20 billion earmarked for AI and energy infrastructure, $5.8 billion in healthcare investments, and a $4.8 billion agreement involving Boeing 737-8 passenger aircraft to be delivered to AviLease.
Trump’s itinerary for the Middle East trip also includes visits to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, focusing on regional cooperation, security partnerships, and economic development.
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