Trump’s Royal Affection: A Fascination with Glamour, Crowns, and Middle Eastern Monarchies
Donald Trump’s well-documented admiration for royal families and opulent displays of wealth has been a recurring theme throughout his life, shaping his approach to both domestic and international affairs. From his mother’s fascination with Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation to his own penchant for adding a "touch of gold" to the White House, Trump’s appreciation for symbols of power and prestige is undeniable.
This fascination has been particularly evident in his dealings with the wealthy Arab monarchies of the Middle East, where extravagant, pageantry-filled receptions have been laid on for the former president. Trump’s recent tour of the Gulf region served as a stark reminder of his affinity for royal treatment and the intersection of personal diplomacy with family business.
Upon arriving in Riyadh, Trump was greeted with a rare escort of Royal Saudi Air Force F-15s, a lavender carpet reserved for high-profile dignitaries, and an honor guard wielding golden swords. Gilded palaces, canon salutes, and a state dinner followed, accompanied by a fleet of Arabian horses escorting his presidential limousine.
In Qatar, Trump received a similar welcome, with a red carpet rolled out and the Emir of Qatar personally greeting him. U.S. and Qatari flags lined the streets, adorning boats, horses, and even camels. Trump expressed his appreciation for the camels, highlighting his fascination with the exotic trappings of royalty.
Beyond the pomp and circumstance, Trump’s Gulf tour was also aimed at securing major trade deals. He praised Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as an "incredible man" and "great guy," a sentiment that appeared to be reciprocated. The crown prince even led a standing ovation when Trump pledged to lift U.S. sanctions on Syria.
Trump’s admiration for monarchy is not a recent development. According to biographer Michael D’Antonio, Trump has long desired to be close to, and possibly on an equal footing with, royal families, particularly the British one. D’Antonio believes this ambition is "more important than any piece of legislation he could get through Congress," even surpassing resolving problems at the border with Mexico.
Trump’s meetings with Queen Elizabeth II during his presidency were highly significant to him. While one biography alleged the queen found Trump "very rude," Trump vehemently disputed this, stating, "She liked me and I liked her."
However, not everyone agrees that Trump’s relationship with Middle Eastern monarchies is solely driven by personal fascination. Christopher Henzel, who served as charge d’affaires for the U.S. embassy in Saudi Arabia, believes that Trump, like all U.S. presidents, recognizes the importance of Saudi Arabia as a partner in the Middle East. He argues that state visits are "meant to be impressive" and that the Saudis are "famous for completely over-the-top lavish events."
Brett Bruen, former director of global engagement at the Obama White House, suggests that the royal treatment Trump receives in the Gulf helps "paper over some of the more delicate areas in our relationship, from human rights to their deals with China." He worries that Trump’s fascination with the glitz and glamour distracts him from focusing on the U.S. agenda.
Henzel disagrees, arguing that Trump understood the Saudi relationship, contrasting him with President Joe Biden, who initially vowed to make the kingdom a "pariah" for its human rights record. Ultimately, Biden also traveled to Saudi Arabia to seek increased oil production.
Ali al-Ahmed, founder of the Institute for Gulf Affairs, believes that both Trump and the leaders of Arab monarchies share a "mindset that favors showing off." He points to Trump’s opulent homes, including the gilded White House and Mar-a-Lago resort, as evidence of this shared affinity for extravagance.
During a meeting with the Emir of Qatar, Trump was visibly impressed by the architecture of Dohas Lusail Palace, praising the "perfect marble" and marveling at the beauty of the construction.
Trump’s actions have generated intense debate. His political opponents accuse him of cozying up to authoritarian regimes to benefit his own business interests. But his supporters argue that, it is a complex situation, it shows a pragmatic approach to foreign policy.
In conclusion, Donald Trump’s fascination with royalty, glamour, and wealth has undoubtedly influenced his approach to international relations, particularly with the wealthy Arab monarchies of the Middle East. Whether this is a genuine admiration or a calculated strategy, the impact on U.S. foreign policy remains a subject of ongoing debate.
