In another sign of history repeating itself, Donald Trump’s first call to a foreign leader was not an American ally like United Kingdom, Australia or Canada—it was to Mohammed Bin Salman, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia. From Josh Meyer at USA Today:
Donald Trump’s first call with a foreign head of state since taking office was with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, a country with which Trump and his family have significant current, and pending, business interests. The two leaders discussed efforts to bring stability to the Middle East, bolster regional security and combat terrorism and economic development. They also talked about Saudi Arabia’s ‘international economic ambitions over the next four years as well as trade and other opportunities to increase the mutual prosperity’ of the United States and the oil-rich kingdom.
Donald Trump’s first overseas trip in 2017 was also, of course, to Saudi Arabia—foreshadowing self-dealing for which his first administration (including other family members, like Jared Kushner) would become known.
During his first term, Trump visited Riyadh on his first foreign trip, upending a tradition of many recent U.S. presidents heading to key ally the United Kingdom as their first stop abroad. That May 2017 trip raised eyebrows among watchdog groups that said it underscored the Trump administration’s ties to rulers of several oil-rich Gulf nations at the same time his Trump Organization pursued real estate deals across the region.
