Trump and Xi Jinping Conclude Summit Amid Resuming TV Coverage
Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump concluded their three-day summit as live television coverage of White House events resumed after a federal judge’s decision to temporarily block the administration’s ban on CNN, MS NOW, and Politico. The return of the television pool offered the first full live broadcast access to presidential events as Xi wrapped up his visit to Washington.
Xi’s final day began with a visit to the White House, where he and his wife, Peng Liyuan, were hosted by Trump and first lady Melania Trump for tea. In televised remarks from the White House Red Room, Trump expressed, “We’ve had a tremendous visit from two spectacular people. We’ve enjoyed it, and I think we’ve made tremendous strides. Positive for both countries.” He thanked reporters for their “fair coverage,” referencing criticism of major television networks during the ongoing dispute over White House press access.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump criticized networks like CNN for refusing to cover Xi’s arrival at the White House, alleging it was a significant event ignored due to “fake news.”
Trump Once Said He Would Only Offer Xi a ‘Double-Size Big Mac’
The warm reception for Xi contrasted with remarks Trump made more than a decade ago. During Xi’s September 2015 U.S. visit, Trump criticized hosting a state dinner for the Chinese leader and suggested taking the delegation to McDonald’s instead. In an interview with Bill O’Reilly, Trump joked about offering Xi a “double-size Big Mac” instead of a formal dinner.
However, during Xi’s recent visit, the Chinese president experienced full state visit pageantry, including banquet dishes such as yellow squash velouté and sesame-crusted sea bass.
Trump Gives Xi a Tour of American History
Following their tea, Trump and Xi traveled to the National Archives. Trump highlighted America’s founding documents and the nation’s history as part of the 250th anniversary celebrations. At the Archives, Trump emphasized the historical ties between the two countries, stating, “Just as our ancestors reached across the ocean centuries ago to trade, to learn, and to build a better world, our two countries do the same thing, and we’re proud of it.”
Trump showcased “some of the greatest treasures” of American history, acknowledging the long and complex relationship between the U.S. and China. He noted the historical comparison, saying, “Ours goes 250 years, which is great, and we’re proud of it. But theirs goes 6,000 years.”
Trump, Xi Part Ways After Three-Day Visit
The visit resulted in an extension of the U.S.-China trade framework and commitments to stable relations. Xi departed Washington, expressing satisfaction with the hospitality and arrangements.
A 90-minute closed-door meeting discussed various international issues, including the Middle East and the Korean Peninsula, though the White House shared few details. Afterward, Trump mentioned discussing the war in Iran.
Despite diplomatic events, protests occurred against China’s policies in Tibet, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong, calling for more freedoms. Demonstrations included pro-Beijing supporters advocating closer U.S.-China relations.
Xi invited Trump and Melania to visit China for the APEC summit in Shenzhen in November and mentioned a possible meeting at the G20 summit in December.
Trump, in a Truth Social post, described the summit as successful in strengthening U.S.-China relations, anticipating further progress in upcoming summits.