If we have a female POTUS, would she be expected to adhere to cultural customs?

SFC Kelly Fuerhoff — Wed, 24 May 2017 13:48:35 -0400

http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/24/politics/melania-trump-pope-francis-headscarf-fashion/index.html

There has been discussion over how First Ladies abide by customs when traveling overseas. If there were ever to be a female President, should she be expected to abide by those or no? (This is not about was Melania right or wrong with no veil in Saudi and a veil with the Pope).

Melania Trump wears veil, but not a headscarf

Melania Trump has dutifully considered every outfit she has worn during her first trip abroad as first lady -- her visit with Pope Francis on Wednesday was no exception.

Response by SSG Pete Fleming made May 24 at 2017 1:53 PM

SSG Pete Fleming — Wed, 24 May 2017 13:53:36 -0400

World leaders don't wear kilts when the go to Scotland. I would say as a world leader they would be equal to those they are meeting with. Regardless of being male or female, if they don't respect your status of a nations leader they won't respect you because you chose to wear a veil.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2017 1:54 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 May 2017 13:54:32 -0400

Nope

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made May 24 at 2017 1:55 PM

SFC Kelly Fuerhoff — Wed, 24 May 2017 13:55:55 -0400

I just had the thought the other day when I saw Trump doing an all male dance in Saudi Arabia and I wondered what would they do if we ever have a female President...and then they keep talking about Melania and I just wondered. Just a thought is all. I know I wouldn't if I was President. Just curiosities about how that would go. I guess I could look to see if any female world leaders have visited Saudi Arabia anytime.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made May 24 at 2017 2:40 PM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Wed, 24 May 2017 14:40:29 -0400

The answer is NO. foreign leaders under Saudi law are not required to adhere to these customs including a head scarf wear. Thersa May, former British Prime Minister didn't, neither did the German Chaceller Angela Merkel of the US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice nor did Hillary Clinton when She was Secretary of State. First ladies Laura Bush and also Michelle Obama did't either nor more recently Melina Trump. This isn't anything new. This is still a meeting of world leaders and there is mutual respect shown in each and every one of those cases.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2017 3:48 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 May 2017 15:48:58 -0400

My knee-jerk response is no. However, as with most everything, situation dictates.

Response by LCpl Shane Couch made May 24 at 2017 4:32 PM

LCpl Shane Couch — Wed, 24 May 2017 16:32:26 -0400

There are/have been female Presidents of other countries. I would imagine that they do the same things as male Presidents. A female POTUS would be no different.

Response by SN Greg Wright made May 24 at 2017 4:35 PM

SN Greg Wright — Wed, 24 May 2017 16:35:32 -0400

No chance. They have to respect us as much as we have to respect them. We don't require the men to remove their headgear when they come here.

Response by Maj John Bell made May 24 at 2017 5:27 PM

Maj John Bell — Wed, 24 May 2017 17:27:43 -0400

I don't know the answer but the UK probably has wrestled with all these issues and Queen Elisabeth.

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made May 25 at 2017 10:13 AM

SPC Sheila Lewis — Thu, 25 May 2017 10:13:21 -0400

Whoever You are, where ever You go, always remember you are an "Ambassador' for your country...Always make a positive impression.