While President, Obama bowed to several other foreign leaders… in some cases where it may not have been the custom. During Trump’s first visit to Saudi Arabia, since taking office, it was noted that Trump did not bow to the Saudi King, and The First Lady was not wearing a headscarf… as one Twitter user put it, “America is finally being represented properly overseas.”
Here’s an example of Obama bowing, just one of many…
Trump doesn't bow & Melania doesn't wear a headscarf. America is finally being represented properly overseas. pic.twitter.com/VTZDqngh7S
— Alana Mastrangelo (@ARmastrangelo) May 20, 2017
Then-President Obama also notably bowed to Japanese Emperor Akihito as well as bowed to then-President of Mexico Felipe Calderon in 2012. Finally, in 2013, Obama shook hands with and bowed to Cuban communist Raul Castro.