RIYADH, Saudi Arabia _ Two years ago, Donald Trump criticized Michelle Obama for not covering her head while visiting Muslim Saudi Arabia.
But on Saturday, on Trump's first visit to Saudi Arabia as president, his wife, Melania, and daughter Ivanka, shunned head scarves, though they did dress conservatively, at least by Western standards.
Melania Trump wore a long-sleeve, black pantsuit with a wide, gold-colored belt. Ivanka Trump, who was accompanied by her husband, White House aide Jared Kushner, wore a long-sleeved multicolored dress that reached her ankles.
Saudi women are required to wear a loose, black robe called an abaya and cover their hair in public. Some also cover their hair and face with a veil called a niqab.
Michelle Obama accompanied her husband to Saudi Arabia in 2015 to pay respects to the late King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al Saud and to meet the new monarch, King Salman.
"Many people are saying it was wonderful that Mrs. Obama refused to wear a scarf in Saudi Arabia, but they were insulted. We have enuf enemies," Trump posted on Twitter.
Michelle Obama was criticized on Saudi social media for her choice, but Melania and Ivanka were largely praised.
Other high-profile Western women have done the exact thing.
Laura Bush, the wife of President George W. Bush, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton usually did not cover their heads. British Prime Minister Theresa May and German Chancellor Angela Merkel did not wear head coverings in visits this year.
