Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
To cap off Trump words, 1st lady shuns headscarf
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Ignoring President Donald Trump’s past admonition, first lady Melania Trump did not cover her head Saturday when they arrived in Saudi Arabia on the opening leg of his first international tour since taking office.
Two years ago, Donald Trump criticized then-first lady Michelle Obama’s decision to go bare-headed on a January 2015 visit with her husband.
“Many people are saying it was wonderful that Mrs. Obama refused to wear a scarf in Saudi Arabia, but they were insulted.We have enuf enemies,” he tweeted at the time.
Under the kingdom’s strict dress code for women, Saudi women and most female visitors are required to wear a loose, black robe known as an abaya in public. Most women in Saudi Arabia also cover their hair and face with a veil known as the niqab.
But head coverings aren’t required for foreigners, and most Western women go without.
While Melania Trump dressed conservatively Saturday in a long-sleeved, black pantsuit, her hair blew in the breeze at King Khalid International Airport in the capital city of Riyadh.
She followed the example set by other high-profile Western women, including Obama. On visits earlier this year, British Prime Minister Theresa May and German Chancellor Angela Merkel also shunned head coverings. Then-first lady Laura Bush generally went without covering her head.
Hillary Clinton, on trips to Saudi Arabia as secretary of state, also did not cover her head.
Donald Trump’s daughter, Ivanka, a White House adviser who is also accompanying her father, also left her head uncovered Saturday.