Trump praised for ending speech with gay anthem 'YMCA' in Saudi Arabia: 'Declaration of American rights'

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA: President Donald Trump ended his Saudi Arabian visit with style, as The Village People's 'YMCA' played during a photo op with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday, May 13.

The catchy tune accompanied the end of Trump's event in a move that's become a signature at his US rallies, according to the Irish Star. 

However, Trump's playing of the gay anthem assumes significance given Saudi Arabia's stringent laws against homosexuality

Donald Trump ends speech in Saudi Arabia with 'YMCA'

This was Donald Trump's second visit to Saudi Arabia, as he first visited the country in 2017. His trip in the Middle East also includes visits to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

During his speech at the Saudi-US investment forum, the president praised the crown prince after making an entrance to 'God Bless the USA' by Lee Greenwood, as he commended the kingdom and its leader, per the outlet.

Trump said, "What a great place, but more importantly what great people," as he praised the crown prince, "We talk about a great man, that is a great man, a great family."

The POTUS also maintained his usual tone of self-praise about the US but also showed restraint in a new manner. He then exited the stage to the tune of the Village People's 'YMCA'.

Interestingly, the song is a recognized LGBTQ+ anthem in the US, and using it at an official event attended by top Saudi officials made it quite notable, especially because of the kingdom's stringent laws against homosexuality and alternative gender expressions, per the outlet.

Trump also got a dramatic fighter jet escort through the kingdom's airspace on his arrival. Journalists aboard Air Force One reported that six Saudi F-15s cruised closely alongside, three on each wing, for the final 30 minutes of the flight, according to the New York Post.

Trump's deputy chief of staff, Dan Scavino, shared the footage of the unusual escort while still in the air on X (formerly Twitter).

He captioned the post, "Thank you for the escort, and having President Trump’s back—We all appreciate it. See you on the ground shortly, THANK YOU!!!"

Trump gave a fist-pump in the air as he came out of Air Force One and was greeted on the tarmac by the crown prince. He was escorted down a lavender carpet to an indoor meeting space by MBS, where a coffee ceremony was hosted.

Internet praises Trump as he ends speech in Saudi Arabia with 'YMCA'

People on the internet were jubilant as Donald Trump ended his Saudi Arabian visit with style when The Village People's 'YMCA' played during a photo op with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

One X user said, "Trump knowingly closed his speech in Saudi Arabia with YMCA — a proudly gay American anthem — in a country that criminalizes homosexuality. Say what you will, but that was a full-blown, disco-ball-dropping declaration of American rights and freedom. #DiplomaticDiva"

A user also wrote, "THE TRUMP EFFECT!!!!!!" while one commented, "Didn't see that coming, but I dig it!"

A person also mentioned, "So amazing they did this. Incredible. Love the prince of Saudi already for doing this."

A person summed up, "Trump plays 'gay anthem' YMCA in Saudi Arabia a country who has criminalised homosexuality and is punishable with the death penalty Legend."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.