Why did Turkey roll out a blue carpet for Trump?
Colour choice at Ankara arrival ceremony draws attention as leaders gather for Nato talks
Ankara: When US President Donald Trump stepped off Air Force One in Ankara on Tuesday for the Nato summit, one detail immediately caught the world’s attention — it wasn’t the military honour guard or the ceremonial welcome, but the blue carpet laid out on the tarmac instead of the traditional red one.
Trump was greeted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan before the two leaders walked side by side along the blue — or turquoise, as some reports described it — carpet during the formal arrival ceremony at the presidential compound.
Not every VIP walks on a red carpet
Red carpet
The traditional welcome for visiting heads of state and dignitaries around the world.
Lavender carpet (Saudi Arabia)
Introduced in 2021.
Symbolises Saudi Arabia’s lavender wildflowers and national heritage.
Used for all official state arrivals, including Trump’s 2025 visit.
Blue/Turquoise carpet (Turkey)
Used to welcome Trump to the Nato summit in Ankara.
No official explanation has been given.
Widely seen as reflecting Nato’s signature blue branding for the summit rather than a special protocol for Trump.
The unusual choice sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many wondering whether Turkey was sending a diplomatic message or offering Trump a special welcome.
Turkish authorities, however, have offered no official explanation for the colour.
One likely explanation is the setting itself. Blue is the dominant colour in Nato's logo and branding, and Ankara has been decked out with Nato-themed banners and decorations ahead of the alliance’s two-day summit. Analysts say the carpet may simply have reflected the summit’s visual identity rather than carrying any deeper political symbolism.
The arrival ceremony came as Trump prepared for talks with Erdogan before joining other Nato leaders for discussions expected to focus on defence spending, Ukraine, Iran and the future of US military commitments in Europe.
The blue carpet also followed another high-profile departure from diplomatic tradition. During Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia last year, he was welcomed on the kingdom’s distinctive lavender carpet instead of the customary red carpet.
While the colours may differ, the message remains the same: Ceremonial carpets have increasingly become a way for countries to showcase national identity and the occasion they are hosting, rather than simply following diplomatic convention.
