When Michelle and Barack Obama visited Saudi Arabia in 2015, the first lady was brazenly bare-headed. Per PBS, Barack and Michelle were in Riyadh to pay their respects to the late King Abdullah. The über conservative country practices a strict interpretation of Sunni Islam called Wahhabism. At the time of the Obamas’ visit, it was mandatory for Saudi women to cover their heads, with many choosing to wear a niqab, which also covers the face. However, Michelle bucked the trend and allowed her shoulder-length hair to flow while clad in long pants and a brightly patterned jacket.
There was an immediate social media outcry. Some accused Michelle of disrespect, while others championed her bravery. One supporter was none other than Ted Cruz. “Kudos to @FLOTUS for standing up for women & refusing to wear Sharia-mandated headscarf in Saudi Arabia. Nicely done,” he posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
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However, as the Guardian notes, foreign women aren’t required to cover their heads during visits, and many don’t. Still, although Michelle kept silent on the subject, the White House was forced to address the issue during a press briefing. “The attire the first lady wore on this trip is consistent with what first ladies in the past have worn — First Lady Laura Bush, what Secretary Clinton wore on her business to Saudi Arabia, Chancellor Merkel on her business to Saudi Arabia and including other members of the United States delegation at the time,” Eric Schultz told the press.
