First lady Melania Trump landed in Saudi Arabia with her husband, President Trump, on Saturday and notably was not wearing a headscarf or veil when being met by Saudi King Salman during a welcome ceremony.
A strict dress code in Saudi Arabia enforces women and girls to wear a traditional headscarf and full-length robe in public, but foreign officials are not legally required to follow the policy.
President Trump and first lady Melania Trump are welcomed by Saudi King Salman during a welcome ceremony at the Royal Terminal of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. (AP Photo)
German Chancellor Angela Merkel opted not to where a headscarf or robe during her visit to the Middle Eastern country earlier this year. British Prime Minister Theresa May, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former first lady Michelle Obama also refrained from following the dress code.
But notably, Trump criticized Obama back in January 2015 when she chose to let her hair show. In a tweet he said, “Many people are saying it was wonderful that Mrs. Obama refused to wear a scarf in Saudi Arabia, but they were insulted.We have enuf enemies.”
Many people are saying it was wonderful that Mrs. Obama refused to wear a scarf in Saudi Arabia, but they were insulted.We have enuf enemies
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 29, 2015
Ivanka Trump, the daughter and senior adviser to the president, also taking part in the trip, was also seen not wearing a headscarf. Both she and Melania Trump were wearing full-length dresses covering their arms and legs.
Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner have arrived. pic.twitter.com/tSzgBOekjx
— Tamara Keith (@tamarakeithNPR) May 20, 2017
Melania Trump tweeted a picture of herself Saturday, expressing gratitude for a “beautiful welcome” to Riyadh, the Saudi capital.
Thank you for a beautiful welcome to #Riyadh! #SaudiArabia pic.twitter.com/BcrMR0OYSK
— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) May 20, 2017
