PRESIDENTIAL TRIP – AT 10:18 A.M. ET:  The president leaves today on a historic and critical trip.  Let's hope the press behaves itself and reports fully on the trip, rather than emphasize the so-called "scandals" in Washington.  Don't hold your breath.  From Fox: 

President Donald Trump leaves the United States today for his first overseas trip as commander-in-chief, with a full itinerary of stops throughout the Middle East and Europe. 

His trip begins Friday with a stop in Saudi Arabia, followed by planned visits to Israel and the Vatican. Trump will later attend the 28th NATO summit in Brussels, Belgium, and the 43rd G7 summit in Taormina, Italy. 

The president's travel comes on the heels of a number of highly publicized controversies, including the recent firing of FBI Director James Comey. 

Below is a look at what the president has lined up so far.

Saudi Arabia

Trump will arrive in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where there will be an arrival ceremony, National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster said at a news conference Tuesday.

He's slated to have coffee with King Salman, go to bilateral meetings with members of the royal family and attend a royal banquet, McMaster told reporters.

The president will also attend "a signing ceremony of several agreements that will further solidify U.S.-Saudi security and economic cooperation."

Trump and first lady Melania Trump will partake in an official dinner with the Saudi royal family that evening, according to McMaster. 

The next day, Trump will meet with leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council, McMaster said. That afternoon, Trump is slated to have lunch with leaders from dozens of Muslim countries, "where he will deliver an inspiring, yet direct speech on the need to confront radical ideology," according to McMaster.

Trump is also expected to later participate in "the inauguration of a new center intended to fight radicalism and promote moderation" as well as in a Twitter forum. 

COMMENT:  Read the rest of the article, and save it.  It's a good picture of what the president will be doing in Israel, the Vatican, and beyond.  This is a serious president doing serious things, but I can't wait to hear the mocking tone on CNN.

There will be attempts by some in the media, and the Deep State leakers, to destroy this trip, and show that President Trump can't govern.  I hope the White House is ready with major pushback.

May 19,  2017