The chairs in the Crown Prince’s palace must have been pretty cosy, because – dozens of cameras broadcast his image around the world – because the 78-year-old President appeared to “rest his eyes” for a while
Donald Trump appeared to struggle to keep his eyes open during his visit to Saudi Arabia today.
The US President touched down in Riyadh for the first leg in a three-country tour round the Middle East.
He was welcomed by Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
But the chairs in the Crown Prince’s palace must have been pretty cosy, because – dozens of cameras broadcast his image around the world – because the 78-year-old President appeared to “rest his eyes” for a while.
It’s not the first time he’s appeared to drop off in public.
His Presidential campaign were forced to furiously deny he’d fallen asleep in court during his criminal trial.
The New York Times reported he “appeared to nod off a few times,” with his mouth “going slack and his head drooping onto his chest.”
At 78 years and seven months, Donald Trump is the oldest person ever inaugurated President – beating predecessor Joe Biden, who was 78 years and 61 days. Biden was frequently criticised and the focus of intense scrutiny over his age and physical and cognitive ability during his presidency.
Trump and the Crown Prince are to hold talks on US efforts to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program, end the war in Gaza, hold down oil prices and more.
Trump is also expected to be feted by the crown prince with a formal dinner and a gathering of members of the Gulf Cooperation Council — made up of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates — later on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Trump’s special envoy for the Mideast Steve Witkoff has been involved in efforts to free the hostages still held in Gaza.
Trump and the the Saudi crown prince shook hands and signed an economic agreement between the US and Saudi Arabia.
The leaders then watched as members of the Trump cabinet and the Saudi government exchanged folios and shook hands over a number of contracts between the two countries.
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The agreements include energy cooperation, modernizing the Saudi armed forces, judicial cooperation between the Justice Ministry and the Saudi judiciary, assistance between customs authorities and collaborations between the Smithsonian Museum and Saudi institutions.
Saudi businessman says Trump administration understands ‘reality’ of fossil fuels
A Saudi businessman indirectly offered the best explanation of why the kingdom is such a Trump supporer.
“We are happy with the President Trump administration because at least they come to reality and reality (is) fossil fuel, we need it forever,” said Mohammad A. Abunayyan, the founder and chairman of ACWA Power.
Such remarks were heard again and again at the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum that Trump will speak at later on Tuesday.
“We don’t want people to lecture us, as it has happened in the past – what’s wrong and what’s right,” Abunayyan added. “Each country has to decide by its own and no country will come and force you to do something.”