Melania Trump sends a message to Saudi Crown Prince through detail on her outfit

First Lady Melania Trump attracted attention when she wore an emerald green evening gown to a formal White House dinner honoring Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on November 18. The strapless Elie Saab dress was widely seen as echoing the green of the Saudi flag amid ongoing scrutiny of the kingdom’s human rights record.

Melania joined President Trump in the East Room to welcome the crown prince, who was in Washington for discussions on defence, trade, and energy. The dinner marked one of the first major social events of Trump’s second term aimed at strengthening US-Saudi ties after criticism over the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the Yemen conflict.

The gown, a ready-to-wear Elie Saab piece costing around $3,350, features a ruched floor-length design with a coated jersey fabric. The fashion house confirmed it was purchased from a boutique rather than custom-made, and the stylist did not comment on whether the color was chosen for symbolic reasons.

Observers noted the parallel with the Saudi flag and the significance of green in Islamic tradition. Saab’s recent Riyadh Fashion Season show also tied the designer to the crown prince’s Vision 2030 programme, emphasizing the intersection of culture, diplomacy, and soft power.

Melania’s presence was notable due to her generally low profile during Trump’s return to office. Leading the receiving line in such a striking gown signaled the administration’s prioritization of the crown prince’s visit.

The dinner coincided with meetings on defence contracts, including proposed F-35 sales, and energy cooperation. Analysts saw her color choice as reinforcing the US message that Saudi Arabia remains a valued ally despite past controversies.

While some viewed the gown as a diplomatic gesture, critics warned that symbolic displays could overshadow ongoing human rights concerns. The White House stressed the focus remained on strategic and economic interests, leaving the dress open to interpretation.