A Glimpse into Presidential Visits to Saudi Arabia: Moments That Made History

American presidents have been visiting Saudi Arabia for decades, forging complex relationships characterized by cooperation, tension, and occasionally, the absurd. These trips often yield memorable moments—some dramatic, others downright odd. As President Trump returns to Saudi Arabia, let’s take a nostalgic look back at four remarkable moments from past presidential visits to this oil-rich Gulf state.

2022: The Biden Fist Bump

The relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia seemed to be cooling before President Joe Biden’s trip to Jeddah in 2022. Notably, during the 2020 presidential campaign, Biden had vowed to make Saudi Arabia a “pariah” state due to the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, an act linked to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman by a U.S. intelligence report.

Yet, as global oil prices surged following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Biden adopted a different stance upon arriving at the Royal Palace. With a slight grin, he offered a fist bump to Crown Prince Mohammed, as a bank of cameras captured the moment. This unusual greeting became a viral sensation, emblematic of the complicated ties between the nations.

The Saudi government wasted no time in sharing the image on social media. In private discussions, Biden confronted the crown prince about Khashoggi’s death; the prince reportedly denied personal accountability. Back in Washington, however, Biden exhibited impatience when pressed about the fist bump, urging reporters to focus on more pressing matters. Ultimately, his visit did not yield the anticipated spike in Saudi oil production—a disappointment that lingered in diplomatic discussions for months.

2017: Trump and the Orb

In a scene reminiscent of a children’s movie, President Donald Trump found himself in the spotlight during his first foreign visit to Riyadh in 2017. He, along with King Salman of Saudi Arabia and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, placed their hands on a glowing white orb. The iconic image sparked a flood of social media memes, with some drawing quirky comparisons to fantastical elements in pop culture, like Saruman from “The Lord of the Rings” interacting with a mystical stone.

The so-called "orb" turned out to be a decorative, translucent globe within a facility intended to combat extremist ideology—not an object of supernatural power. Nonetheless, the moment became one of the defining images of Trump’s presidency, highlighting the often bizarre nature of international diplomacy.

1974: Nixon Says, "We Need Wisdom"

A visit by President Richard Nixon in 1974 revealed another facet of U.S.-Saudi relations. As Nixon sought cooperation to stabilize oil prices during his Middle Eastern tour, he was met with enthusiasm in Jeddah. However, the president had ulterior motives—he aimed to leverage Saudi influence to promote peace in the region.

During his remarks at the State Palace, Nixon emphasized the necessity of more than just oil. "We can use oil, but we need more, something far more than oil," he declared, underscoring the importance of wisdom in navigating complex geopolitical landscapes. His willingness to engage in dialogue over mere transactional relationships showcased a nuanced understanding of diplomacy.

1945: Roosevelt Gives a Wheelchair

Long before the contemporary dynamics of oil and economic interests, President Franklin D. Roosevelt set the tone for U.S.-Saudi relations during a landmark encounter with King Abdulaziz al-Saud in 1945. Although the meeting took place on a U.S. warship in Egypt’s Great Bitter Lake rather than in Saudi Arabia itself, it marked a pivotal moment in diplomatic history.

Charisma played its part as Roosevelt presented the king, who had difficulty walking, with a wheelchair. This thoughtful gesture symbolized the personal touch that can define diplomatic relationships. Roosevelt’s ability to charm Abdulaziz laid the groundwork for a partnership that would evolve over the coming decades.

These moments encapsulate the often strange, sometimes poignant intersections of history, diplomacy, and personal connection in U.S.-Saudi relations. While each president brought their unique approach, they all faced the complexities inherent in navigating ties with a nation as influential as Saudi Arabia.