A Night of Opulence and Controversy at the White House
First Lady Melania Trump made a striking appearance in a strapless emerald dress, a colour deliberately chosen to mirror the flag of Saudi Arabia, as she and President Donald Trump hosted Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for an ornate dinner. The high-profile event, held on a cold and rainy Tuesday night in the White House's East Room, was marked by both grandeur and significant political tension.
Mrs Trump, who had been absent from earlier meetings that day, joined her husband on the South Portico to welcome the Crown Prince, who is widely known by his initials MBS. Despite the inclement Washington weather, the First Lady remained poised, holding hands with the president as the Saudi leader's black car arrived.
Diplomatic Gestures and Solo Attendance
The sartorial choice of a dramatic emerald strapless dress was a clear diplomatic nod to the guest of honour's nation. President Trump was seen physically guiding MBS, placing a hand on his back as they, along with Melania, proceeded into the White House.
Interestingly, the Crown Prince attended the dinner solo, though he was expected to be joined later by a substantial Saudi delegation, numerous U.S. business leaders, and a potential star football player.
A Shadow Over the Visit: Khashoggi and 9/11
The return of MBS to the White House was not without its controversies. The visit was conducted under the long shadow of the 2018 killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, for which U.S. intelligence agencies believe the Crown Prince was responsible.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia's role in the September 11 terror attacks has caused enduring pain, with families of the victims expressing fury over the royal's presence in the Oval Office.
This diplomatic engagement also coincided with President Trump facing his own political challenges, as votes to release the files related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein were scheduled in both the House and the Senate.
Confrontation in the Oval Office
The Saudi visit had already experienced drama earlier on Tuesday during a meeting in the Oval Office. ABC News correspondent Mary Bruce posed pointed questions to the president about potential conflicts of interest regarding Trump Organization projects in Saudi Arabia.
She then directly confronted MBS, stating, 'you orchestrated the brutal murder of a journalist' and noting the anger of 9/11 families. When she asked, 'Why should Americans trust you?', President Trump interjected.
He defended his guest, characterising Khashoggi as 'extremely controversial' and stating, 'A lot of people didn't like that gentleman... Whether you like him or didn't like him, things happen. But he knew nothing about it.' The president concluded by chastising the reporter, saying, 'You don't have to embarrass our guest.'
The evening, therefore, served as a potent symbol of the complex alliance between the two nations, blending high diplomacy with unresolved and deeply serious allegations.
