President Trump Goes Abroad

Last weekend, President Trump began his first major overseas trip, which will involve visiting five countries–Saudi Arabia, Israel, Italy, the Vatican, and Belgium–in nine days. The president has not scheduled any news conferences during this overseas visit. However, it is still possible to take a look at the places Trump visited and what he achieved there.

First Stop: Saudi Arabia

Trump landed in the Saudi capital of Riyadh and received a warm welcome. While there, the president and Saudi leader King Salma bin Abdulaziz al-Saud signed many international investment agreements. They also signed a $110 billion arms deal that will bring American-made planes, bombs, and ships to Saudi Arabia. President Trump received the Order of Abdulaziz al-Saud medal from King Salman, which is Saudi Arabia’s highest honor. Presidents Obama and George W. Bush have also received this recognition.

Trump is the first president to choose a Muslim-majority nation for his first international visit. The following day, he gave a speech condemning Islamic militants, urging Middle Eastern nations to work together to drive out terrorist forces.

Israel and the Occupied Territories

From Saudi Arabia, the president traveled on to Israel, where he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. In a speech at the Israel Museum, Trump said he was committed to reaching a peace agreement between Israel and Palestine. He has not yet provided details for how his administration will work achieve that peace, which has so far eluded decades of previous administrations. Palestinians expressed anger that he made no mention of working toward establishing an independent Palestinian state. Trump did become the first acting POTUS to visit the Western Wall.

Leaving the Middle East

On Wednesday, Trump traveled to Italy and the Vatican, where he met with the Pope. During Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, the pontiff criticized candidate Trump’s stance on refugees and the environment.

After Italy, the president is scheduled to move on Belgium, where he will meet with European Union (EU) officials and the leaders of 28 NATO countries. He will conclude his tour on Saturday in Sicily.

What Do You Think? Trace the president’s first foreign tour on a map or globe. Then list each of the nations he visited on his trip, and explain why you think he chose those particular countries to visit. Based on what you’ve read in this article and seen on the news, how successful do you think Trump was at accomplishing what he hoped to on his trip? Explain your opinion, giving reasons and evidence wherever possible.