President Trump's First Foreign Trip: 5 Things To Watch For

In the midst of a growing number of scandals and controversies, President Trump is set to take his first major international trip in office beginning Friday. He will meet with both Israeli and Palestinian leaders and is expected to focus on new efforts to promote peace.

"Getting ready for my big foreign trip," Trump tweeted Friday morning. "Will be strongly protecting American interests - that's what I like to do!"

Here's what you should watch for in the president's trip.

1. Speech on Islam

At his first stop in Saudi Arabia, Trump plans to deliver a speech on the topic of Islam. Reports suggest that he will address the rise of extremist and violent adherents to the faith while speaking to a group of 50 or so Muslim leaders. The speech will be part of a ceremony opening a center with a mission to promote moderate strains of the faith.

Trump has made many controversial statements about Islam in the past; most notably, he proposed banning all Muslim immigration to the United States for a time. He also said, "Islam hates us." When asked to clarify this statement and whether he meant all Muslims, he said "I mean a lot of them. I mean a lot of them."

He also frequently criticized President Obama for not using the phrase "radical Islam."

2. Relationship with Israel

Trump has proved to have a strong relationship with Israeli leaders; Prime Minister Netanyahu has said, "There is no greater supporter of the Jewish people and the Jewish state than President Donald Trump."

But recent events may have strained this relationship. Reports suggest that Israeli officials were disturbed when the White House suggested the Western Wall in Jerusalem may be in the West Bank. And several outlets have reported that Trump gave Russian officials very sensitive intelligence obtained by the Israelis, potentially jeopardizing that intelligence-sharing relationship.

3. Talks with Palestinian leaders

In addition to meeting with Israeli leaders, Trump and his team will meet with officials representing Palestinians. Trump has frequently stressed the importance of a peace deal in the region, and meeting with both sides is certainly a necessary first step in this process. How these meetings go, and the perceived success or failure of these first steps, could have a major impact of the prospects of any future negotiations.

4. Meeting with the pope

By meeting with the pope during the trip, the president will have the opportunity to move from past animosities. Trump, who has never met Pope Francis, had a somewhat chilly relationship with the religious leader since the pope appeared to question Trump's faith during the campaign. Then a candidate, Trump responded that he had liked the pope before but found his comments "disgraceful. No leader, especially a religious leader, should have the right to question another man’s religion or faith."

5. More leaks or controversies?

For those covering American politics, there seems to be a non-stop deluge of leaks and emerging controversies surrounding the president. Will another shoe drop while Trump is overseas?

Colin Miner contributed to this report.

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