Newsweek: Donald Trump Salutes Saudi Arabian Generals During Riyadh Visit

[Dennis Donovan]

Newsweek - Donald Trump Salutes Saudi Arabian Generals During Riyadh Visit

Published May 13, 2025 at 7:28 AM EDT
By Brendan Cole and Shane Croucher

President Donald Trump saluted Saudi Arabian generals as they lined up to greet him during his visit to Riyadh, the first stop in his four-day tour of the Middle East.

There has been a discussion in recent years about the proper etiquette for presidents saluting the military, particularly those from other nations.

A returned salute by Trump to a North Korean general during his first term sparked criticism, with some saying he should not have shown respect to a hostile nation. Others said it was courteous to return the gesture.

Trump is leading a large delegation of top officials from his administration and leaders in the business world, as he seeks to discuss peace in the Middle East and improving trade and investment.

Rapid Response 47
@RapidResponse47
@POTUS greets Saudi officials at the Royal Court in Riyadh
Video in tweet below
5:42 AM · May 13, 2025

Link to tweet

/snip

[C_U_L8R]

1. Trump knows who signs his paychecks.

And submits the proper obeisance.

[marble falls]

2. A man who knows where he stands: a follower who wants others to think he leads.

[Solly Mack]

3. Of course he did

[BoRaGard]

4. But Krasnov (R) calls our American soldiers "suckers and losers"

what a pathetic groveling punk

G.O.P. never speaks up to defend our soldiers, and call out Krasnov's krap

[Kingofalldems]

5. Salutes people who helped plan 911.

[surfered]

6. Bonespurs McChickenshit and current member of Meal Team Six loves a military parade

[Paladin]

7. All while he's having U.S. Generals fired.

How long will this shit go on?

[blogslug]

8. He thinks it makes him look cool.

It's as simple as that. No thoughts. Only camera.

[SpankMe]

9. B...b...but what about Obama? Waaah!

When Obama bowed to the emperor of Japan, the right came unglued:

https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna33978533 (article is from 2009)

Suddenly, a similar gesture to a foreign entity is OK?

[Delmette2.0]

10. Poor North Korea

Trump is done using them.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

11. trump saluted Saudi General-'Debased himself': Trump triggers disgust as he kowtows to Saudis

trump never served in the military due to draft dodging and bone spurs. Saluting a foreign general is simply wrong

'Debased himself': Trump triggers disgust as he kowtows to Saudis https://twp.ai/4inczs

— #TuckFrump (@realtuckfrumper.bsky.social) 2025-05-13T15:11:18.000Z

Link to tweet

https://www.rawstory.com/2671952264/

President Donald Trump saluted each Saudi Arabian general who greeted him during his visit to Riyadh Tuesday, causing critics to melt down over the spectacle.

Standing next to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Trump was seen saluting and shaking hands as the long line of generals waited to greet the American president.

Journalist and former UN diplomat Olga Nesterova pointed out, "Trump goes ahead and salutes every single Saudi official at the Royal Court in Riyadh."

The X account @JoeyFotoFr displayed the following post: "As an American citizen, my president salutes no one in the world. If I'd accept an exception it would be a salute to the flag, covering the body of a fallen American soldier. Saluting these guys is national humiliation by the traitor Trump, a pig POTUS.".....

According to Newsweek, "There has been a discussion in recent years about the proper etiquette for presidents saluting the military, particularly those from other nations. A returned salute by Trump to a North Korean general during his first term sparked criticism, with some saying he should not have shown respect to a hostile nation. Others said it was courteous to return the gesture."

Link to tweet