Trump’s refusal to drink coffee during his Saudi Arabia trip left people baffled, fueling wild conspiracy theories about his motives.
The US President Donald Trump sparked a wave of online conspiracy theories.
It happened after he refused to drink coffee during an elaborate Saudi Arabian welcoming ceremony.
The incident happened during his first major overseas trip of his second term. It sparked speculation about possible assassination fears, personal preferences, and diplomatic signaling.
Trump declines traditional Saudi coffee
During the high-profile visit, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) greeted Trump with an elaborate ceremony.
The event included military parades, horseback escorts, and a formal coffee and tea offering—part of Saudi hospitality tradition.
While all others present sipped the strong Arabic coffee, Trump accepted the cup but did not drink.
Instead, he awkwardly held the miniature cup and placed it in his lap.
Observers noted his unease as Saudi and American officials consumed their drinks.
Trump’s refusal to drink coffee sparked speculation about hidden motives and security concerns.
Social media reaction
Social media quickly erupted with conspiracy theories about the president’s unusual behavior.
On X platform, some users suggested Trump feared being poisoned, possibly advised by the Secret Service not to consume unvetted beverages.
Other users offered a less sinister explanation. They noted that Trump is known to avoid caffeine, reportedly only consuming Diet Coke.
One person said: Could be possible poison. Secret Service tells him not to consume anything without testing.
A second wrote: After three attempts on his life, how can you blame him?
While a third commented: Maybe he doesn’t like it or simply wasn’t feeling like a cup of coffee.
Another added: If they offered him a Diet Coke, the response would’ve been different.
Someone else said: He knows coffee makes him speak rationally so he avoids it like the Covid.
Maybe coffee gives him diarrhea and he don’t have time for all that right now lol. Someone joked.
He’s more concerned about the deals than the coffee. The 747 jet gift Another user added.
Saudi coffee ceremony is a symbol of hospitality
In Saudi culture, serving Arabic coffee to guests is a symbol of welcome and respect
The beverage, often strong and spiced with cardamom, is served in tiny cups during formal gatherings.
During the event, the Saudi and U.S. delegations gathered in an ornate room beneath royal portraits for the coffee ceremony.
Despite receiving his cup, Trump declined to drink.
Trump, who is famously known to avoid coffee, accepted the cup but never took a sip. Instead, he held it awkwardly in his lap.
Many viewers suggested that Trump refusal was perceived as awkward.
The media spotlight and viral videos of the incident only intensified speculation.
Trump continues Middle East tour for economic, diplomatic goals
Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia marks the first leg of a broader Middle East tour.
He is expected to meet with leaders in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates following his engagements in Riyadh.
His administration hopes to finalize economic agreements and revisit the stalled Abraham Accords.
The Abraham Accords, forged during Trump’s first term, normalized ties between Israel and several Arab nations.
However, recent conflicts—especially the Gaza war—have complicated Saudi Arabia’s potential entry into the pact.
MBS has reportedly insisted on progress toward Palestinian statehood in Gaza as a prerequisite for signing the accords.