President Trump Receives Fighter Jet Escort During Arrival in Saudi Arabia

President Donald Trump arrived in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday morning, marking the first stop in a multi-nation tour across the Middle East. His entry into the kingdom was underscored by a rare and ceremonial escort—six Saudi F-15 fighter jets flew alongside Air Force One in a symbolic show of alliance.

According to members of the press traveling aboard the presidential aircraft, the escort took formation in the final half-hour of the flight, with three jets on each side flying in close proximity. A video of the dramatic scene was posted to social media by Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino, who thanked the Saudi Air Force for the warm welcome.

“Thank you for the escort, and having President Trump’s back—We all appreciate it. See you on the ground shortly, THANK YOU!!!” Scavino wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Upon landing in Riyadh, President Trump was welcomed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who greeted him with a fist bump and guided him along a purple carpet—an alternative to the traditional red—toward a conference room. There, the president participated in a customary coffee ceremony with the kingdom’s leadership.

Several members of Trump’s Cabinet joined him for the visit, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Their presence highlights the economic and diplomatic goals of the trip, which aims to strengthen investment partnerships and strategic cooperation in the region.

Throughout the Saudi capital, American flags lined the streets, signaling the importance of the occasion. Digital billboards along the highway also promoted the newly announced Disney theme park set to open in neighboring Abu Dhabi, signaling a broader regional interest in tourism and international collaboration.

The president’s agenda in Saudi Arabia includes an address at an investment roundtable where he is expected to speak alongside prominent tech industry leaders such as Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Sam Altman. A formal state dinner will follow, highlighting the significance of the diplomatic exchange.

The Middle East trip includes visits to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates and will focus on economic partnerships and ongoing discussions around regional security. According to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, the president’s mission is to reaffirm American support for peace, commerce, and cultural engagement across the region.

“President Trump will return to the Middle East to emphasize his vision for a proud, prosperous, and stable region,” Leavitt said. “The trip demonstrates the United States’ enduring commitment to partnership and mutual respect.”

During his stop in Qatar, President Trump is also expected to meet with American military personnel stationed at a U.S. air base, offering recognition and appreciation for their service.

This journey mirrors Trump’s first overseas trip during his prior term, when he visited Saudi Arabia to promote regional security cooperation and economic development. That visit, in 2017, set the stage for several key foreign policy initiatives, including the Abraham Accords—agreements that normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations.

Now, as he embarks on a second term, Trump returns to the region during a time of heightened global tension. His visit coincides with multiple international developments, including ongoing negotiations concerning Iran’s nuclear program, rising instability in the region, and continued efforts to expand the peace agreements initiated during his first administration.

Ahead of the trip, the president teased an upcoming announcement he described as “very, very big.” Speaking at the White House alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump hinted at the nature of the revelation without offering specific details.

“We’re going to have a very, very big announcement to make—like as big as it gets,” he said. “And I won’t tell you on what… but it’s very positive.”

He added that the announcement would be made sometime between Thursday and Monday before his departure, calling it “one of the most important announcements in many years” on a significant topic.

As the president prepares for a packed schedule of meetings, speeches, and engagements across three countries, the visit signals a renewed focus on international diplomacy and economic ties. With a backdrop of regional complexities and global challenges, the trip is expected to shape U.S. relationships and strategies in the Middle East moving forward.