Our visit will boost tourism, says US President Trump

Early Monday, there was an air of expectation in Agra. Men on motorbikes, women in burqa and girls in shimmery dresses posed and pouted before the cut-outs of Trump and Modi . The city, which had received a quick makeover, was in the midst of a great selfie festival.The photo ops shifted to the Taj around 4.40pm when the US President’s cavalcade of 20-odd cars headed there for a private tour. Nitin Singh , the tourist guide who was specially selected to show the Trumps around, said the US President was "impressed" by the story of Shahjahan and Mumtaz , "but he felt bad that the emperor was imprisoned for eight years at the Agra Quila".Trump, the guide said, praised the monument's architecture, inlay and stone work, and also the double dome structure. Trump and Melania asked Singh several questions. "They asked, 'Where did all this marble come from? Where were the workers and artisans brought from? What material was used for making the royal gate?'”."The president said he loved the monument and added that after his visit many more Americans will come to see the Taj," said Singh. He said he found Trump friendly and jovial. “He obliged everyone with selfies and photos. He did not say no to anyone.”Though Trump was with Melania, walking hand in hand through much part of the tour, he was joined by daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner when they sat down to see the sunset.