Trump Praises “Incredible Culture” During First-Ever Visit to Mosque as President
In a moment that marked a notable shift in tone, former U.S. President Donald Trump visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in the United Arab Emirates on Thursday — his first known visit to a mosque while in office.
The visit to the iconic Abu Dhabi landmark, known for its white marble domes and Italian-inlaid floral floors, was steeped in both symbolism and ceremony. In respect to tradition, Trump removed his shoes before entering and was warmly welcomed by Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
Awestruck by the mosque’s grandeur, Trump remarked, “Isn’t this beautiful? It is so beautiful. This is an incredible culture.” He also expressed surprise that the mosque had been closed for his visit. “This is the first time they’ve closed the mosque for the day. Is that true? It’s in honour of the United States, I think. Better than in honour of me. Let’s give it to the country. That’s a great tribute,” he said, according to the Washington Post.
The visit was part of Trump’s broader diplomatic tour through the Middle East, which included high-profile receptions in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Trump, whose business empire includes ongoing projects in all three countries, was received with full honours — including a welcome featuring Arabian horses and ceremonial guards.
Trump’s evolving relationship with the region is notably bolstered by the UAE’s decision to normalise relations with Israel during his first term — a move that played a key role in strengthening ties with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, the country’s ruler. Trump’s daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner also visited the same mosque in 2020 while serving as White House advisors.
Though U.S. presidents frequently visit churches, visits to mosques are far rarer. President Dwight Eisenhower inaugurated a mosque in Washington, D.C., in 1957, and George W. Bush spoke there in 2001 after the 9/11 attacks. Barack Obama also visited a mosque near Baltimore in 2016 — a visit Trump criticized at the time, telling Fox News, “Maybe he feels comfortable there.”
Trump’s latest visit suggests a softer stance compared to his earlier rhetoric. During his 2016 campaign, he often portrayed mosques as hubs of extremism and suggested they should be monitored. However, in recent years, his tone has shifted. At a White House iftar dinner in March, he acknowledged, “The Muslim community was there for us in November. And while I’m president, I will be there for you.”
This visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque may mark a new chapter in Trump’s engagement with the Muslim world — one rooted more in diplomacy and cultural respect than in past suspicion.
News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
