In a display of high-profile diplomacy, US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump hosted an opulent dinner at the White House for Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. The event, marked by its star-studded guest list, brought together a unique blend of global leaders from the worlds of technology, sports, and business.
A Glittering Guest List
The dinner's red carpet saw an eclectic mix of personalities. Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo was a prominent attendee, seen listening intently to President Trump. From the tech world, Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk and Apple CEO Tim Cook were present, highlighting the intersection of geopolitics and innovation. They were joined by Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang and professional golfer Bryson DeChambeau, making for a truly international and influential gathering.
The Dinner and Diplomacy
The evening was a formal affair, with a tuxedo-clad President Trump and the First Lady personally welcoming the Saudi Crown Prince. Guests were treated to a gourmet meal featuring a pistachio-crusted rack of lamb as the main course, followed by a couverture mousse pear for dessert. Beyond the fine dining, the event carried significant diplomatic weight. During the proceedings, President Trump publicly praised Prince Mohammed bin Salman as a "man of leadership." This commendation came after the President had earlier defended his royal guest concerning the 2018 murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a topic that has drawn global scrutiny.
Significance of the Gathering
This high-wattage dinner underscores the continuing strategic partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia. By assembling a guest list that included some of the world's most recognizable figures from outside politics, the event was designed to project an image of strong bilateral relations and mutual business interests. The presence of tech titans like Musk and Cook signals potential discussions on investment and technological collaboration, while a sports icon like Ronaldo adds a layer of global soft power to the diplomatic engagement.
