Trump sways to the beat of Saudi sword dance
Trump, Ivanka and Jared join Saudi monarch for dinner including steak and ketchup, lamb and rice
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on Google
US President Donald Trump briefly joined Saudi King Salman in a traditional male-only sword dance before a state dinner in his honor.
They appeared to have made an exception for First Lady Melania, who was spotted standing still in the crowd.
Swaying side to side, the president stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Saudis for the traditional dance, which includes drumming and singing.
Chief of Staff Reince Preibus and chief strategist Steve Bannon wwere also spotted, standing awkwardly among the dancers.
VIDEO: #Trump takes part in traditional ardha dance in Saudi Arabia.
Read the full story here: https://t.co/hQGZDCJ8L0 pic.twitter.com/RYHcOX8f0a— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) May 20, 2017
https://youtu.be/fyZW9C1-5pw
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Commerce Wilbur R. Ross appeared to be more comfortable with the dance. They actually held the swords.
https://twitter.com/davidmackau/status/865987711374696451
The dance took place outside the King Abdulaziz Historical Center where First Lady Melania Trump, his son-in law Jared Kushner and daughter Ivanka were later joining Trump to dine with the Saudi king and other senior Saudi royals.
The menu was to include an array of dishes, including steak and ketchup alongside the lamb and hefty portions of rice.
Trump was greeted by the Saudi king for a red carpet welcome upon arrival to the capital, Riyadh, Saturday morning for his first overseas visit in office.
The Times of Israel Community.