Trump and Jordanian king meet in Washington
WASHINGTON- King Abdullah II of Jordan's visit to Washington this week is testing President Donald Trump's ability to maintain key Arab alliances while cracking down on immigration from some Muslim countries and possibly moving the American Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. The next few days could provide an indication if Trump is willing to compromise.
Abdullah, a close U.S. ally, held meetings Monday with Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Vice President Mike Pence. Trump and the king were to come face-to-face on Thursday at the National Prayer Breakfast, the White House said. The king also planned to meet with U.S. lawmakers this week.
Abdullah's trip comes as the Trump administration is embroiled in its first major Mideast controversy, sparked by Trump's executive order temporarily halting all refugee admissions and suspending entry to the U.S. for citizens of seven majority-Muslim countries. Although Jordan isn't among the seven, even U.S. friends in the region fear Trump's move could embolden Mideast extremists and contribute to a perception that Washington is at war with Islam -- which Trump's administration insists is not the case.
Trump's embassy decision looms even larger for Jordan.
