Melania Trump foregoes headscarf on Saudi Arabia trip

This comes two years after Donald Trump criticised Michelle Obama for not wearing a scarf when visiting Saudi Arabia


News Desk May 20, 2017
US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive aboard Air Force One at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia May 20, 2017. PHOTO: REUTERS

US First Lady Melania Trump arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia without a headscarf -- two years after now president Donald Trump criticised then First Lady Michelle Obama for not wearing a scarf when visiting the country.

Under fire at home, Trump lands in Saudi for first foreign trip

Melania, who is accompanying her husband on his first foreign tour since he became president, was dressed conservatively in a black jump suit. Similarly First Daughter Ivanka Trump, who is also on the trip, wore a full length dress with full sleeves but also decided to forego the scarf.

White House senior advisor Jared Kushner (C) and his wife Ivanka Trump walk on the tarmac after arriving with U.S. President Donald Trump aboard Air Force One at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia May 20, 2017. PHOTO: REUTERS White House senior advisor Jared Kushner (C) and his wife Ivanka Trump walk on the tarmac after arriving with U.S. President Donald Trump aboard Air Force One at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia May 20, 2017. PHOTO: REUTERS

Two years ago, when Michelle Obama accompanied her husband then President Barack Obama to King Abdullah's funeral she chose not to cover her head. Donald Trump said she had 'insulted' her hosts when she did that.

Trump aims to mend Muslim ties on first foreign trip

“Many people are saying it was wonderful that Mrs Obama refused to wear a scarf in Saudi Arabia, but they were insulted.We have enough enemies,” Donald Trump said on Twitter in January 2015.



Saudi women are required by law to cover their head when they leave their homes. However, many visiting Western female dignitaries tend not to cover their heads when they visit the Kingdom. Earlier this year British PM Theresa May and German Chancellor Angela Merkel forewent the headscarves during their foreign tours to the Islamic Kingdom.

 

COMMENTS (6)

Ali S | 7 years ago | Reply Not surprised at all at this hypocrisy from our Saudi overlords.
numbersnumbers | 7 years ago | Reply @Rex Minor: Too bad that Rexor forgets that the Saudi invited the Americans in to defend the Kingdom after Sadam invaded Kuwait back in 1990! In other words, Sadam Hussain brought the Americans to the Kingdom! Recall that Osama bin Laden volunteered to drive Sadam from Kuwait (with no army, armour, or Airforce!) but the Saudis instead called on the Americans and other international forces in what became the largest coalition force since WW2!
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