Trump’s arrival in Riyadh was marked by a stunning six-jet escort, symbolizing Saudi Arabia’s full diplomatic embrace and raising the stakes for his Middle East investment blitz.
At a Glance
- Saudi Arabia deployed six F-15 fighter jets to escort Air Force One
- Trump was greeted personally by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
- The visit features economic talks with tech moguls and U.S. officials
- Riyadh was decorated with U.S. flags and digital billboards for the event
- The trip marks a key moment in U.S.-Saudi strategic and economic ties
A High-Powered Welcome
In a dramatic display of military choreography and political symbolism, Air Force One touched down in Riyadh on May 13 under the watchful guard of six Royal Saudi Air Force F-15s. The rare jet escort, captured on video and posted by Margo Martin, stunned observers and immediately signaled the importance Saudi Arabia is placing on Donald Trump’s latest Middle East tour.
The planes flew in close formation beside the President’s aircraft before peeling off above King Khalid International Airport, where Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman greeted Trump. Dan Scavino, a longtime Trump aide, praised the spectacle on social media: “Thank you for the escort, and having President Trump’s back—We all appreciate it.”
Watch a report: Fighter Jets Escort Trump into Saudi Arabia
Diplomacy Meets Capitalism
After a ceremonial welcome steeped in Saudi tradition—including a coffee meeting and royal banquet—Trump’s itinerary shifted into economic gear. He headlined a private investor forum alongside Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Sam Altman, pitching American innovation as a partner in Gulf development.
The streets of Riyadh were lined with U.S. and Saudi flags, while digital billboards promoted new joint ventures ranging from defense to Disney. Trump’s entourage includes Secretary Pete Hegseth, Senator Marco Rubio, and several energy and defense officials, underscoring the tour’s blend of diplomacy, commerce, and strategic messaging.
Geopolitical Currents
Saudi Arabia operates the world’s second-largest F-15 fleet—behind only the U.S.—and this grand aerial tribute highlights a tightening strategic alignment in an era of shifting global alliances. With tensions rising in the Red Sea and a fragile energy market in play, Riyadh’s decision to roll out both its red carpet and its air force speaks volumes.
Trump’s next stops include Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, where investment opportunities and military talks are expected to follow. For now, his touchdown in Riyadh—with missiles overhead and moguls at his side—reaffirms his continued sway in a region where symbolism is power and every handshake carries global weight.
