Trump returns salute to Saudi military officials during Riyadh visit; netizens spark outrage

During his first major diplomatic tour since returning to the White House, US President Donald Trump sparked controversy after returning a salute to Saudi military officials during a formal reception in Riyadh. The gesture, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, has ignited a wave of online reactions, both critical and supportive. The incident occurred at the Royal Palace, where President Trump was received by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. As part of the official welcome, a line of Saudi military officials saluted the American president. Trump, standing beside the Crown Prince, returned the salute, a move that some Internet users deemed “inappropriate” or “unreal,” while others defended it as a courteous show of respect to a military ally. “A very confused Trump just saluted Saudi military officials at the Royal Court in Riyadh – a blatant breach of US presidential protocol,” said Chris D Jackson on social media.