Melania and Ivanka Trump's newsmaking style in Saudi Arabia

The Los Angeles Times ^ | May 20, 2017 | Molly Hennessy-Fiske

[2ndDivisionVet]

Melania Trump made her debut on the foreign stage Saturday, stepping off Air Force One in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, without a head scarf or abaya, the traditional black gown required for most women.

“Thank you for a beautiful welcome to Riyadh,” she tweeted, along with a photo of herself in a pantsuit with large gold belt and matching gold detailing at the neck.

Although her choice to appear bareheaded provoked a flurry of tweets, few here were surprised that the first lady chose to forego a head scarf.

Michelle Obama did the same during a January 2015 visit with then-President Obama.

Donald Trump criticized Mrs. Obama for her decision, saying at the time that the people of Saudi Arabia "were insulted."

On Friday, some Trump supporters tweeted photos of Obama and Hillary Clinton wearing hijabs, or head scarves, next to pictures of Melania Trump with her long brown hair down.

But former First Lady Laura Bush didn’t wear a scarf to meet the Saudi royal family and neither have female heads of state, such as German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister Theresa May (who also appeared here without abayas).

“We don’t ask anyone to wear a scarf here unless you go into a place of prayer,” said Muna Abu Sulayman, a Saudi television host known as the “Oprah of the Middle East” who was covering the event here wearing a head scarf and abaya.

Melania Trump’s outfit still caused a stir on social media, in part because at first glance, her black pantsuit resembled an abaya. Abu Sulayman started receiving posts in her Whatsapp women’s group as soon as the Trumps landed....

[Vince Ferrer]

Their clothing was important, but I think the fact that the King shook hands with Melania , talked with her, and had her seated near him was more important. She even had her hands on that glowing globe thing that President Trump and the King had their hands on.

[TXBlair]

She thought Melania Trump’s oversized gold belt was a bit much — “somebody else might not have pulled it off”

Uh, somebody else DIDN'T pull it off. The Wookie! Melania barely pulled it off, for that matter, in my opinion. She came as close as any First Lady could have, though; those things are just atrocious.

I'm glad the Saudis are showing our First Family the kindness and respect that our own country seems to be too broken to show them right now. I hope they have a refreshing and rejuvenating time abroad!

[RitaOK]

It was nice to see Melania Trump wow Saudia Arabia and carry both her title as First Lady and her exceptional beauty so naturally, being seen as always very comfortable in her own skin.

It pleased me immensely to finally see Melania take her rightful place in the international spot light, rather than Ivanka, who had jetted off to visit Theresa May and the German Chancellor Merkel. Baby girl is not the First Lady, not on any level, imho.

[catbertz]

I have to agree. The jumper was cute and sensible, but the belt was really huge. I would have laughed if it was a big golden “T” instead.

[Liz]

I really don't like her dress....then again, only Ivanka could get away with wearing it.

[Liz]

I really don't like her dress....then again, only Ivanka could get away with wearing it.

[KC_Lion]

Glowing Ping to First Lady Melania's List.

So happy and thankful she is our First Lady.

[KC_Lion]

Ivanka Ping!

[taildragger]

Again sales 101. If they trust you and like you they will do business with you. That is what the whole Jared / Ivanka tip of the spear taking Dad's place is all about, he can't do it, too much to do as POTUS. Take a look @ this picture, if reforms happen in 10, 20 or 30 years is one or more of the ladies in this photo a potential mover and shaker on the Saudi Political or Business scene? If so contacts have been made, relationships are being built and they can reference back to Team Trump about their contacts. The last 120ish days have been so MAGA I am more giddy than I ever was under Ronaldus Maximus and I didn't think that would happen.

[Texas Fossil]

Sisi got it early. Stated it boldly recently.

something like:

Egyptian President Al-Sisi to Trump: ‘You Have Unique Personality Capable of the Impossible’… Trump: ‘I Agree’

—

I suppose we both agree too. smile.

[Cecily]

Lots of pretty faces in that photo. Good to see them. Keep pushing for reform and more rights on all fronts.

[taildragger]

One thing I forgot to mention....

The importance's of this picture. Here is a women ( Ivanka ) that converted to Orthodox Judaism with a group of her peers that are all Muslim in Saudi Arabia, let that sink in.

No one is hurting one another, they are getting along smashingly, and religion either was put on the shelf or it doesn't matter.

They are welcoming to her in their country, the hospitality theme again.

I'd never thought I'd see this in my lifetime...

[Texas Fossil]

“I’d never thought I’d see this in my lifetime... “

Yes, totally agree. These are not “normal” times.

And Donald J. Trump is not the “normal” POTUS, God Bless him.

[taildragger]

T.F., I bet Ronaldus Maximus his toasting from heaven!

[txrefugee]

One was tempted to observe, “First Lady Melania Trump arrived wearing a UUUGE gold belt.” Because in many of the photos, that was the only thing that stood out. The rest of her wardrobe has been great, particularly the fabulous magenta gown she wore to the King’s dinner their first night in Saudi Arabia.