While President Donald Trump embarks on his diplomatic trip to Saudi Arabia, First Lady Melania Trump has opted to stay behind, leaving the spotlight on the female staffers accompanying him on this visit.
The president, who landed in Riyadh on Tuesday, brought with him a group of influential women from the White House, including his Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, press secretary Karoline Leavitt, and long-time aide Margo Martin.
Trump Women Stick to Western Fashion Choices
In a nod to the tradition Melania set during her 2017 visit, none of the women covered their heads, embracing western-style attire instead.
Susie Wiles, for example, left her silver bob uncovered, wearing a baby blue oversized blazer paired with a black top and slacks.
Her shoes were pointed black block heels, which added a modern touch to her otherwise conservative look.
Karoline Leavitt, too, chose pastels, donning a mint green shiny pantsuit as she joined the president and his entourage for meetings at the Royal Court in Riyadh.
Meanwhile, Margo Martin, a key communications adviser to President Trump, shared a photo on her Instagram, where she sported a baby blue pantsuit over a white top.
Her style, however, wasn’t the only focus—she posed in front of a sign that proudly displayed the name of Saudi Arabia’s capital city.
Adhering to Cultural Norms Amid the Heat
Despite the scorching temperatures, which reached upwards of 104 degrees on Tuesday, all the women followed the White House’s guidance to ensure their knees and elbows were covered.
This was a necessary adaptation to fit into the more conservative cultural expectations in Saudi Arabia, particularly for western women.
Changing Fashion Rules for Women in Saudi Arabia
The fashion landscape for women in Saudi Arabia has evolved in recent years.
Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s leadership, many restrictions have been relaxed, allowing women more freedom in their dress choices.
This shift in cultural norms coincides with broader changes in the kingdom, especially with regard to how women’s appearances are regulated.
Trump’s Changing Views on Women’s Attire in Saudi Arabia
President Trump’s perspective on what women should wear when visiting Saudi Arabia has also transformed over time.
Back in 2015, as a businessman, Trump openly criticized First Lady Michelle Obama for her decision not to wear a headscarf during her trip to the kingdom.
He tweeted that many people had been “insulted” by her choice and suggested that America already had “enough enemies.”
In contrast, Trump’s wife, Melania, and daughter Ivanka made the decision to skip the headscarf when they visited Saudi Arabia in 2017, a choice that set a precedent for future visits.
During that trip, Melania stepped off Air Force One in Riyadh wearing a belted black dress that covered her elbows and knees, but she did not wear a headscarf.
Ivanka, too, opted for the same approach during the visit, donning a stunning black and silver gown for an evening event.
A Relaxed Approach to Headscarves in Saudi Arabia
Melania Trump’s choice to forego the headscarf in 2017 came after changes to Saudi Arabia’s regulations on women’s dress.
A year after the Trumps’ visit, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman officially relaxed the legal requirement for women to wear a hijab and abaya, except when visiting religious sites.
Interestingly, while Melania Trump didn’t visit a mosque during her Saudi trip, Ivanka Trump did wear a head covering when visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi during a 2020 trip to the United Arab Emirates, showcasing the differing cultural expectations depending on the region.
Looking Ahead to the Current Trip
As President Trump embarks on his three-country trip, which includes stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, it’s expected that there will be additional visits to mosques.
Given the new regulations in Saudi Arabia, the Trump women may face different expectations than they did during their previous trip.
However, with the cultural climate shifting and fashion norms evolving, it’s likely the women will continue to dress in a way that respects both their personal style and the customs of the countries they visit.