When President Trump departs Washington for Saudi Arabia on May 18, he will kick off a nine-day, two-continent tour that could have the potential to reset his presidency after weeks of turmoil.
Trump's first trip abroad since taking office will bring him to the heart of two Middle Eastern allies and the steps of the Vatican, and will conclude with his participation in a NATO meeting in Brussels and a G7 summit in Sicily.
The whirlwind tour will offer a high-stakes test for Trump, his staff and his emerging foreign policy agenda as the president debuts his diplomatic skills in a series of appearances that world leaders and the American public will watch closely.
Trump has already tried his hand in the art of statecraft. He has met face-to-face with 17 foreign leaders since taking office, hosting them either at the White House, Mar-a-Lago or in New York. Trump's first bilateral meeting with a foreign head of state came shortly after Inauguration Day, when he appeared alongside British Prime Minister Theresa May and pledged America's dedication to the "special relationship" it has long enjoyed with the U.K.
A frequent and vocal critic of President Obama's attempts to reorient the Middle East around Iran, Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia could signal a shift back to the U.S. policy of empowering its large Muslim ally to wield influence over the region. Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman already paid Trump a visit in March.
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05.10.2024