Trump Lands in Saudi Arabia to Fighter Jet Escort, Begins High-Profile Middle East Visit
Former President Donald Trump arrived in Saudi Arabia early Tuesday, greeted with a ceremonial escort of six Saudi F-15 fighter jets as Air Force One crossed into the kingdom’s airspace. The jets flew in tight formation—three on each wing—for the final leg of the flight, offering a rare aerial display of hospitality and coordination.
A video of the escort was shared by Trump’s deputy chief of staff, Dan Scavino, who thanked the Saudi pilots for their support via social media, noting the significance of the moment as the U.S. delegation approached Riyadh.
Upon touchdown, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomed Trump personally on the tarmac. The two exchanged greetings before walking a purple carpet to a conference hall, where they shared a traditional coffee ceremony.
Trump is accompanied on this diplomatic trip by several members of his Cabinet, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
The Saudi capital was dressed for the occasion. American flags lined the streets, and digital billboards promoted a new Disney Abu Dhabi theme park set to open in the nearby United Arab Emirates—hinting at growing ties between entertainment, investment, and diplomacy in the region.
Trump’s Tuesday schedule includes a speech at a private investment roundtable attended by leading tech figures including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Sam Altman. The day will close with a formal state dinner.
The four-day tour includes stops in Qatar and the UAE, as Trump looks to strengthen economic ties and promote regional cooperation. According to the White House, the president’s message focuses on a shared vision of prosperity and cultural exchange in the Middle East.
“This trip highlights an evolving partnership between the United States and the Middle East,” said press secretary Karoline Leavitt. “The president looks forward to engaging with regional leaders and American troops stationed in the region.”
Trump is also expected to visit a U.S. air base in Qatar, where he will meet with military personnel stationed abroad.
Before leaving Washington, Trump hinted at a major announcement to come, describing it only as “very positive” and “one of the most important in many years.” No further details were provided, but the announcement is expected during or shortly after his trip.
The visit comes amid continued developments in the region, including ongoing talks over Iran’s nuclear program and discussions about expanding the Abraham Accords—an agreement initially brokered in Trump’s first term that fostered new diplomatic ties between Israel and several Arab nations.
Trump’s return to the Middle East mirrors his first international trip as president nearly eight years ago, again placing a spotlight on regional peace and investment opportunities.