Saudi deals mark start of Trump tour

DONALD TRUMP has arrived in Saudi Arabia on his first foreign trip since becoming president.

Mr Trump got in to Riyadh after an overnight flight and was welcomed at an elaborate airport ceremony by Saudi King Salman.

The visit saw a series of government and private sector deals between the countries – which White House aides hope will divert attention from President Trump’s troubles at home.

But fresh reports about alleged Russian meddling in the presidential election campaign threatened to overshadow the trip.

It was reported that after sacking FBI chief James Comey, Mr Trump called him “a real nut job” while discussing the ongoing investigation with two Russian officials in the Oval Office earlier this month.

He also told them that firing Mr Comey had “taken off” the “great pressure” he was feeling from the investigation, it was claimed.

Meanwhile, it was reported that an unidentified senior Trump adviser was being considered a “person of interest” in the ongoing investigation.

Separately, Mr Comey agreed to testify at an upcoming open hearing of the Senate intelligence committee.

Mr Trump and King Salman signed a series of agreements cementing their countries’ military and economic partnerships

A defence cooperation deal with the Saudis pledged $110bn effective immediately and up to $350bn over 10 years.

Meanwhile, his wife Melania and daughter Ivanka arrived in Riyadh without having their heads covered – something Mr Trump had previously criticised Michelle Obama for not doing.

Mr Trump will also travel to Israel, have an audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican and meet with allies at a Nato summit in Brussels and the G7 in Sicily.