Trump rolls out lavish welcome for Saudi crown prince at White House

President Donald Trump rolled out grand reception at the White House for Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The reception featured an elaborate display: a Marine band performing on the South Lawn, mounted officers carrying both nations’ flags and a dramatic flyover by advanced fighter jets in a tight V formation.

Trump welcomed the crown prince with a handshake and a brief pat on the back before guiding him into the building.

Prince Mohammed arrived in Washington with momentum already in his favor.

Trump confirmed a day earlier that he intended to approve the sale of F-35 aircraft — the same model showcased overhead — even though senior defense officials have warned about the risks of sending cutting-edge technology to a partner that maintains security links with China.

The visit marks a notable moment for the Saudi leader, who has avoided traveling to the United States since 2018, when Saudi agents killed and dismembered Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul — an incident that damaged Riyadh’s ties with Washington for years.