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Donald Trump's first foreign trip as president
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On May 19, 2017, President Donald Trump departed Washington, D.C., for his first international trip as president. The trip lasted eight days and took Trump to five different countries.
Saturday, May 20: Trump meets with Saudi Arabian leaders
King Salman greeted Trump and first lady Melania Trump on the tarmac when they landed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. According to NBC News, "American and Saudi flags lined the highways of the country's capital, Riyadh, along with billboards featuring Trump's face. Trumpets played and jets flew overhead streaming red, white and blue contrails." The greeting was seen as a step toward resetting the U.S.-Saudi relationship. Last year, former President Barack Obama was not greeted with the same fanfare because of the strain the Iran nuclear deal—a deal that Saudi Arabia strongly opposed—put on the relationship.[1]
After arriving, Trump signed a military arms deal with Saudi Arabia worth $350 billion over 10 years, with $110 billion that took effect immediately. The deal was struck in an effort to contain Iran. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said, “The package of defense equipment and services supports the long term security of Saudi Arabia and the entire Gulf region in particular in the face of malign Iranian influence and Iranian-related threats, which exists on Saudi Arabia’s borders on all sides."[2]
On Sunday, Israel’s energy minister Yuval Steinitz said that he wanted to know more about the arms deal. He said, “Hundreds of millions of dollars in arms deals is something we need to get an explanation for. We need to ensure Israel’s qualitative military edge is maintained.”[3]
Tillerson responded to Steinitz’s concerns, saying that the U.S. would continue its commitment to Israel’s security and that the deal would help forge a relationship between Israel and Arab states in the shared effort of deterring Iran. He said, “That is unifying. I think it does allow countries that have had deep differences to look at the situation and realize that in many respects our threats are common to all of us.”[3]
Trump was the first president to choose Saudi Arabia as a destination on his first foreign trip.
- See also: Federal policy on Iran, 2017-2020
Sunday, May 21: Trump delivers speech urging leaders of Muslim nations to join with the U.S. to fight extremism
During a meeting with 55 leaders of Muslim-majority nations inside King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, Trump delivered a speech that focused on promoting peace by building partnerships to end extremism and terrorism. Trump said, "Our goal is a coalition of nations who share the aim of stamping out extremism and providing our children a hopeful future that does honor to God." He reiterated the point, saying, "[A]bove all we must be united in pursuing the one goal that transcends every other consideration. That goal is to meet history’s great test—to conquer extremism and vanquish the forces of terrorism."[4][5]
During his speech, Trump outlined the following steps in the joint effort to end terrorism:
- Deny sanctuary for terrorists;
- Prevent the financing of terrorism;
- Confront "the crisis of Islamist extremism and the Islamist terror groups it inspires;"
- Stand "together against the murder of innocent Muslims, the oppression of women, the persecution of Jews, and the slaughter of Christians;"
- Promote "the aspirations and dreams of all citizens who seek a better life – including women, children, and followers of all faiths;" and
- Practice "tolerance and respect for each other once again."[5]
Highlights from Trump's speech appear below:
- Trump on the United States' role in securing peace in the Middle East:
| “ | America is a sovereign nation and our first priority is always the safety and security of our citizens. We are not here to lecture—we are not here to tell other people how to live, what to do, who to be, or how to worship. Instead, we are here to offer partnership – based on shared interests and values – to pursue a better future for us all.[6] | ” |
| —President Donald Trump[5] | ||
- Trump on the untapped potential in the Middle East:
| “ | The Middle East is rich with natural beauty, vibrant cultures, and massive amounts of historic treasures. It should increasingly become one of the great global centers of commerce and opportunity. This region should not be a place from which refugees flee, but to which newcomers flock. ... The entire region is at the center of the key shipping lanes of the Suez Canal, the Red Sea, and the Straits of Hormuz. The potential of this region has never been greater. 65 percent of its population is under the age of 30. Like all young men and women, they seek great futures to build, great national projects to join, and a place for their families to call home. But this untapped potential, this tremendous cause for optimism, is held at bay by bloodshed and terror.[6] | ” |
| —President Donald Trump[5] | ||
- Trump on fighting terrorism: a battle between good and evil:
| “ | Every time a terrorist murders an innocent person, and falsely invokes the name of God, it should be an insult to every person of faith. Terrorists do not worship God, they worship death. If we do not act against this organized terror, then we know what will happen. Terrorism’s devastation of life will continue to spread. Peaceful societies will become engulfed by violence. And the futures of many generations will be sadly squandered. If we do not stand in uniform condemnation of this killing—then not only will we be judged by our people, not only will we be judged by history, but we will be judged by God. This is not a battle between different faiths, different sects, or different civilizations. This is a battle between barbaric criminals who seek to obliterate human life, and decent people of all religions who seek to protect it. This is a battle between Good and Evil.[6] | ” |
| —President Donald Trump[5] | ||
- Trump on driving terrorists and extremists out of the Middle East:
| “ | But the nations of the Middle East cannot wait for American power to crush this enemy for them. The nations of the Middle East will have to decide what kind of future they want for themselves, for their countries, and for their children.
It is a choice between two futures – and it is a choice America CANNOT make for you. A better future is only possible if your nations drive out the terrorists and extremists. Drive. Them. Out. DRIVE THEM OUT of your places of worship. DRIVE THEM OUT of your communities. DRIVE THEM OUT of your holy land, and DRIVE THEM OUT OF THIS EARTH.[6] |
” |
| —President Donald Trump[5] | ||
On uniting to prevent Iran from creating chaos and instability in the region:
| “ | Until the Iranian regime is willing to be a partner for peace, all nations of conscience must work together to isolate Iran, deny it funding for terrorism, and pray for the day when the Iranian people have the just and righteous government they deserve.[6] | ” |
| —President Donald Trump[5] | ||
Before delivering his speech, Trump had one-on-one meetings with King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Amir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi. He also participated in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) gathering. The GCC is a political and economic alliance consisting of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.[7]
Monday, May 22: Trump visits Israel and discusses anti-Iran coalition; becomes first sitting U.S. president to visit the Western Wall
During a welcoming ceremony in Tel Aviv, Israel, Trump said, “On my first trip overseas as president, I have come to this sacred and ancient land to reaffirm the unbreakable bond between the United States and the state of Israel." He also encouraged Israel and its Arab neighbors to seek peace, saying, “We have before us a rare opportunity to bring security and stability to this region and to its people. We can only get there by working together. There is no other way.”[8][3]
Trump indicated that he saw Israel making peace with the Palestinians as part of an agreement to create an anti-Iran coalition. Trump and Sunni Arab nations in the region wanted to partner with Israel to create a united front against Shiite-led Iran, but Trump and the leaders he spoke to in Saudi Arabia seemed to believe that a resolution between Israel and Palestine had to be part of an agreement.[9]
Trump said, “I was deeply encouraged by my conversations with Muslim world leaders in Saudi Arabia, including King Salman, who I spoke to at great length. King Salman feels very strongly and, I can tell you, would love to see peace with Israel and the Palestinians. … There is a growing realization among your Arab neighbors that they have common cause with you in the threat posed by Iran, and it is indeed a threat, there’s no question about that.”[9]
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he wanted to work with Sunni Arab nations, but he also wanted his country's relationship with Palestine to remain a separate issue. Netanyahu said, “For the first time in my lifetime, I see a real hope for change. The Arab leaders who you met yesterday could help change the atmosphere, and they could help create the conditions for a realistic peace.” However, he did not address whether Israel would pursue a peace agreement with Palestine.[9]
While in Israel, Trump met with President Reuven Rivlin, and he and first lady Melania Trump had dinner with Netanyahu and his wife, Sara Netanyahu.[10][3]
According to The New York Times, "No previous American president has come to Israel this early in his tenure. Bill Clinton visited in his second year in office and Jimmy Carter in his third, while Richard M. Nixon, George W. Bush and Barack Obama all waited until their second terms to make the trip."[9]
Trump becomes first sitting U.S. president to visit the Western Wall
Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to visit the Western Wall in Jerusalem, the holiest site where Jews are allowed to pray. Trump rested his hand on the wall for a few moments and then placed a note inside of the wall. It is a tradition for worshippers to place slips of paper containing prayers to God in the cracks of the wall. First lady Melania Trump tucked a note into the wall, too. The Trumps also visited the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which is the site where Christians believe Jesus of Nazareth was crucified and buried and resurrected.[10]
Tuesday, May 23: Trump meets with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas; visits Israel's Holocaust museum; expresses condolences to victims of Manchester terror attack
Trump met with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Bethlehem, and he once again delivered a message of peace but did not offer concrete steps for Israel and Palestine to take to achieve it. Trump said, “Peace can never take root in an environment where violence is tolerated, funded and even rewarded. We must be resolute in condemning such acts in a single unified voice.” According to The Wall Street Journal, the comment was "a veiled reference to Authority payments to families of prisoners and Palestinians killed attacking Israelis." Trump also chose not to discuss a two-state solution to the conflict, a solution Israel opposes and Palestine supports.[11]
Abbas, discussing his concerns with Israel, said, “Our problem is with the occupation and settlements and the failure of Israel to recognize the state of Palestine in the same way we recognize it. The problem is not between us and Judaism. It is between us and occupation.”[11]
After meeting with Abbas, Trump laid a wreath at Israel's Holocaust museum, Yad Vashem.[11]
In a speech at the Israel Museum, Trump offered his condolences to the victims of a terror attack in Manchester, England, that killed at least 22 people. He said, "I'd like to begin my remarks today by sending the thoughts and prayers of the entire American people to the victims of the terrorist attack in Manchester. You know -- you've all been watching. You've seen just a horrible thing going on. I want to send our condolences to the many families who lost their loved ones. Horrific, horrific injuries. Terrible. Dozens of innocent people, beautiful young children savagely murdered in this heinous attack upon humanity."[12]
He then spoke of the importance uniting against terrorists and extremists. He said, "I repeat again that we must drive out the terrorists and the extremists from our midst, obliterate this evil ideology, and protect and defend our citizens and people of the world. All civilized nations much be united in this effort. This trip is focused on that goal: bringing nations together around the goal of defeating the terrorism that threatens the world, and crushing the hateful ideology that drives it so hard and seems to be driving it so fast."[12]
He also reiterated his call for Arab nations, Israel, and the U.S. to form a coalition to defeat terrorism. He said, "We must build a coalition of partners who share the aim of stamping out extremists and violence, and providing our children a peaceful and hopeful future. But a hopeful future for children in the Middle East requires the world to fully recognize the vital role of the State of Israel. And, on behalf of the United States, we pledge to stand by you and defend our shared values so that together we can defeat terrorism and create safety for all of God’s children."[12]
Wednesday, May 24: Trump meets with Pope Francis and Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni
Trump traveled to Vatican City and met privately with Pope Francis for half and hour. According to a statement from the Vatican, Trump and the pope had "an exchange of views on various themes relating to international affairs and the promotion of peace in the world through political negotiation and interreligious dialogue, with particular reference to the situation in the Middle East and the protection of Christian communities. It is hoped that there may be serene collaboration between the state and the Catholic Church in the United States, engaged in service to the people in the fields of health care, education and assistance to immigrants." The meeting was described as cordial, despite their differences on immigration and climate change, among other issues.[13]
Trump and the pope exchanged gifts, a customary gesture. According to The Wall Street Journal, "The pope gave the president a copy of his encyclical on the environment, in which he argues that capitalism has contributed to the degradation of the environment at the particular expense of the poor. The president thanked the pope, saying he would read it." The pope also gave Trump a medal bearing an olive branch, a sign of peace. In return, Trump gave the pope first-edition copies of writings by Martin Luther King Jr.[14]
After meeting with Pope Francis, Trump tweeted, "Honor of a lifetime to meet His Holiness Pope Francis. I leave the Vatican more determined than ever to pursue PEACE in our world."[15]
Trump also met with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Gallagher. Trump and Melania then visited the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.
After meeting with Pope Francis, Trump met with Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni.
In Brussels, Trump spoke with European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. The leaders discussed fighting terrorism, the conflict in Ukraine, policy on Russia, trade, and climate change. The meeting was described as cordial and friendly, despite Trump's past statements that were critical of the European Union. Trump was supportive of Britain’s decision to leave the EU and said that it was a “vehicle for Germany.” In response to Trump's criticism, "Juncker threatened to campaign for the independence of Ohio if Mr. Trump continued supporting the EU’s break-up," according to The Wall Street Journal.[16]
After the meeting, Tusk said to reporters, “My main message to President Trump was what gives our cooperation and friendship its deepest meaning are fundamental Western values, like freedom, human rights, respect for human dignity. The greatest task today is the consolidation of the whole free world around those values, not just interests. Values and principles first — this is what Europe and American should be saying. ... My feeling is we agreed on many areas, first of all on counter-terrorism and I am sure that I don’t have to explain why. Some issues remain open, like climate and trade.”[17]
Trump then met with French President Emmanuel Macron. According to a statement from the White House, Trump and Macron discussed security, counterterrorism issues, and maintaining the alliance between the U.S. and France. Trump also urged Macron to have France meet the NATO guideline of spending 2 percent of GDP on defense. On Twitter, Macron described the meeting with Trump as “constructive and direct.” Previously, the two leaders had been critical of each other. During France's presidential election, Trump did not officially endorse Marine Le Pen, but he did say that she was strongest on borders and security. During his campaign, Macron criticized Trump's stance on immigration, trade, and climate change.[18][19]
After meeting with Macron, Trump spoke at a ceremony unveiling a memorial at the entrance to NATO headquarters. He called on NATO members to pay their fair share of defense spending—2 percent of GDP—and said that the underpayments of 23 of the 28 member nations harmed NATO's ability to fight terrorism.
Trump said, "The NATO of the future must include a great focus on terrorism and immigration, as well as threats from Russia and on NATO’s eastern and southern borders. These grave security concerns are the same reason that I have been very, very direct with Secretary Stoltenberg and members of the Alliance in saying that NATO members must finally contribute their fair share and meet their financial obligations, for 23 of the 28 member nations are still not paying what they should be paying and what they’re supposed to be paying for their defense. This is not fair to the people and taxpayers of the United States. And many of these nations owe massive amounts of money from past years and not paying in those past years. Over the last eight years, the United States spent more on defense than all other NATO countries combined. If all NATO members had spent just 2 percent of their GDP on defense last year, we would have had another $119 billion for our collective defense and for the financing of additional NATO reserves. We should recognize that with these chronic underpayments and growing threats, even 2 percent of GDP is insufficient to close the gaps in modernizing, readiness, and the size of forces. We have to make up for the many years lost. Two percent is the bare minimum for confronting today’s very real and very vicious threats. If NATO countries made their full and complete contributions, then NATO would be even stronger than it is today, especially from the threat of terrorism."[20]
Trump also spoke about the memorial, which has a piece of steel from the World Trade Center and a portion of the Berlin Wall. The memorial symbolizes the principle of collective defense established in NATO Article 5. Article 5 was invoked after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack. Speaking about the artifacts donated by the U.S. and Germany, Trump said, "Each one marks a pivotal event in the history of this Alliance and in the eternal battle between good and evil. On one side, a testament to the triumph of our ideals over a totalitarian Communist ideology bent on the oppression of millions and millions of people; on the other, a painful reminder of the barbaric evil that still exists in the world and that we must confront and defeat together as a group, as a world. This twisted mass of metal reminds us not only of what we have lost, but also what forever endures -- the courage of our people, the strength of our resolve, and the commitments that bind us together as one. We will never forget the lives that were lost. We will never forsake the friends who stood by our side. And we will never waiver in our determination to defeat terrorism and to achieve lasting security, prosperity and peace."[20][21]
Trump was criticized by the media for not more clearly expressing his of support for Article 5, which states that "an attack against one or several members is considered as an attack against all." According to NPR, "The Associated Press described Thursday's speech as an 'unprecedented one-two punch' that 'further rattled' an already anxious Europe."[22][23]
- See also: Federal policy on NATO, 2017-2020
Friday, May 26: Trump travels to Taormina, Italy, for G7 meeting
On Friday, Trump traveled to Taormina, Italy, for the first day of a two-day Group of Seven (G7) summit. He met with leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Trump and leaders of the six other nations discussed terrorism, climate change, trade, and Russia.[24]
The leaders issued a joint statement condemning the terror attack in Manchester, England, and called on internet companies to do more to remove extremist content from their sites. They were unable to come to a final agreement on the Paris Climate Change Accord of 2015 because Trump is still considering whether to remain in the deal. Italian PM Paolo Gentiloni said, "The question of the Paris climate accord is still hanging. We are sure that after an internal reflection, the United States will also want to commit to it." Before the meeting, leaders questioned whether the Trump administration would uphold sanctions imposed on Russia in response to its actions in Ukraine. White House economic adviser Gary Cohn said, "We're not lowering our sanctions on Russia. If anything we would look to get tougher on Russia."[24]
Trump also had one-on-one meetings with UK Prime Minister Theresa May and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Trump and May discussed a post-Brexit trade deal, and Trump and Abe discussed North Korea, agreeing to "enhance sanctions on North Korea, including by identifying and sanctioning entities that support North Korea's ballistic missile and nuclear programmes,” according to the White House.[24]
The G7 is a group of industrialized democracies that meet to discuss economic and political issues. In March 2014, the G7 suspended Russia from what was the Group of Eight (G8) after Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula in Ukraine.
Saturday, May 27: Trump departs G7 meeting and heads to the White House
On the second and final day of the G7 summit, Trump declined to commit the United States to the Paris Climate Change Accord of 2015. He tweeted, "I will make my final decision on the Paris Accord next week!"[25]
Speaking about the accord, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said, "The entire discussion about climate was very difficult, if not to say very dissatisfying. There are no indications whether the United States will stay in the Paris Agreement or not."[25]
Although Trump did not commit to the accord, he did agree "to language in the final G7 communique that pledged to fight protectionism and commits to a rules-based international trade system," according to NBC News.[25]
After the G7 meeting concluded on Saturday, Trump addressed American and allied military personnel and their families. During a speech at Naval Air Station Sigonella outside of Sicily, Trump thanked members of the U.S. military for fighting terrorism around the globe and promised to always support them and their families. Trump said, "The single greatest strength to our armed forces is you, you, all of you. You have poured out your hearts, your souls and even your blood for this nation, and we will pour out our gratitude for you, in return. ... You are the warriors of freedom, you are the protectors of that great American flag. And you are the ones who protect the God-given freedoms that are the birthright of every single American child. I am honored to have had this time to spend with you."[26]
Trump returned to Washington, D.C., after his speech.
Footnotes
- ↑ NBC News, "Donald Trump Lands in Saudi Arabia on First Overseas Visit of Presidency," May 20, 2017
- ↑ The Wall Street Journal, "Donald Trump, Saudi Arabia Sign Agreements in Move to Counterbalance Iran," May 20, 2017
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 The Wall Street Journal, "Trump Arrives in Israel in Bid to Revive Peace Process," May 22, 2017
- ↑ The Wall Street Journal, "Trump Urges Muslims to Fight Extremism in Saudi Speech," May 21, 2017
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 Facebook, "Donald Trump," May 21, 2017
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ NBC News, "Trump Trip: President Meets With Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait," May 21, 2017
- ↑ The Hill, "Trump lands in Israel," May 22, 2017
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 The New York Times, "Trump Comes to Israel Citing a Palestinian Deal as Crucial," May 22, 2017
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 NBC News, "Trump Becomes First Sitting U.S. President to Visit Western Wall," May 22, 2017
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 The Wall Street Journal, "Trump Says U.S. Committed to Israeli and Palestinian Peace," May 23, 2017
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 WhiteHouse.gov, "Remarks by President Trump at the Israel Museum," May 23, 2017
- ↑ ABC News, "President Trump holds 'fantastic meeting' with Pope Francis at the Vatican," May 24, 2017
- ↑ The Wall Street Journal, "Trump Meets With Pope Francis After Policy Clashes," May 24, 2017
- ↑ Twitter, "Donald J. Trump," May 24, 2017
- ↑ The Wall Street Journal, "Trump-EU Meeting Brings Together Competing Visions," May 25, 2017
- ↑ Politico, "Trump, EU struggle to get on same page in Brussels," May 25, 2017
- ↑ Politico, "Trump’s verdict on Emmanuel Macron election win: ‘tremendous,'" May 25, 2017
- ↑ The Wall Street Journal, "Trump-EU Meeting Brings Together Competing Visions," May 25, 2017
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 WhiteHouse.gov, "Remarks by President Trump at NATO Unveiling of the Article 5 and Berlin Wall Memorials - Brussels, Belgium," May 25, 2017
- ↑ ABC News, "Trump blasts NATO allies for not paying fair share," May 25, 2017
- ↑ NATO.int, "Founding Treaty," accessed February 23, 2017
- ↑ NPR.org, "In NATO Speech, Trump Scolds Leaders But Doesn't Recommit To Defense Pledge," May 25, 2017
- ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 BBC, "G7 summit agrees on countering terrorism but not climate change," May 26, 2017
- ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 NBC News, "Trump Declines Endorsing Paris Climate Change Deal at G7 Summit, Will Make Decision Next Week," May 27, 2017
- ↑ NBC News, "Trump at the End of First Foreign Trip Pledges ‘Unwavering Support’ of U.S. Military," May 27, 2017
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