While on a visit to the nation of India, President Donald Trump and our elegant First Lady, Melania Trump, enjoyed a romantic sunset stroll. The first couple meandered hand-in-hand along the seemingly endless reflecting pool which lances through the gardens of the Taj Mahal, India’s iconic symbol of everlasting love.
A romantic sunset stroll
The Trumps spent more than an hour, sometimes with a guide and others on their own, as they ambled along the path to the front of the “majestic white marble building.” They posed for “countless pictures” along the romantic reflecting pool. Known worldwide as “a symbol of lasting love,” the Taj Mahal was built by a 17th century Emperor as a breathtakingly elaborate mausoleum, “to honor his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to the couple’s fourteenth child.” President Trump called the experience “truly incredible,” while Melania was overwhelmed with its beautiful loveliness.
The Indian government went out of the way to spruce things up, probably mostly for Melania’s benefit. Next to the stadium, they built a wall. Not to keep anyone out, but simply to hide a slum. Stray dogs, cows and even monkeys were rounded up and removed. The Taj Mahal itself even got a makeover in preparation for a visit by the First Lady. The “jewel of Muslim art” underwent some stain removal efforts. The government even went as far as flooding the river which runs next to the monument with clean water to try to flush away some of the normally offensive stench.
The President and First Lady were treated to an exciting welcome when they first arrived in India. More than 100,000 cheering fans packed the world’s biggest cricket stadium to say “Namaste Trump.” That’s the Hindu version of the way we honored their Prime Minister. Last year in Houston, Texas, Trump treated Narendra Modi like Elvis with a “Howdy Modi” event. This trip is more of a chance to lay groundwork than to sign any earthshaking deals, but the two leaders seem to hit it off because both of them negotiate from nationalistic positions. Trump wants “America First” and Modi wants “Made in India.” There’s lots of ways to accommodate both but that will come at a later date. For now, the President and his lovely bride were able to concentrate on playing tourist.
