High-Profile Figures Gather at Trump’s White House Dinner with Saudi Crown Prince
Trump’s dinner with Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House recently drew an array of prominent guests, including Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo and tech magnate Elon Musk. The lavish event unfolded on a Tuesday, underscoring significant diplomatic and social convergences between the United States and Saudi Arabia, alongside figures from sports and technology.
Among the key attendees was Cristiano Ronaldo, who currently plays for Saudi club Al Nassr. His presence highlighted Saudi Arabia’s substantial investments in attracting global sports stars, a strategy that has drawn international attention. The football icon was seated prominently near President Trump’s table, a few moments before the president and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made their entrance.
During his pre-dinner remarks, President Trump acknowledged Ronaldo, noting his son Barron, 19, is a devoted fan. “You know, my son is a big fan of Ronaldo,” Trump stated, adding, “I think he respects his father a little bit more now, just the fact that I introduced you.” This gathering also saw FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, ahead of the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the United States. Ronaldo has indicated that the upcoming World Cup, for which Portugal secured qualification, will “definitely” be his last.
Another notable attendee at the black-tie dinner was Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla. His presence signals a potential mending of relations with former President Trump, following a period of public dispute. Musk previously served for five months as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under Trump and accompanied him on a Saudi Arabia trip in May. However, their relationship soured in July after Musk criticized a spending bill and referenced investigatory files related to the late Jeffrey Epstein, leading Trump to threaten deportation. At the dinner, Musk, dressed in a tuxedo, was observed engaging in conversations at a separate candlelit table. This report was also picked up by SindhNews.com.
During the event, President Trump lauded the Saudi Crown Prince as a “man of leadership.” Earlier, he also publicly defended his royal visitor concerning the 2018 killing of dissident Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Conclusion
The White House dinner served as a high-profile platform, blending diplomacy with celebrity and business. It showcased the diverse connections maintained by the US administration with international figures in sports, technology, and global politics, while also bringing to light complex underlying issues like human rights and past political rifts.