Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump concluded a three-day summit on Friday. This occurred as live television coverage from the White House resumed after a federal judge temporarily blocked a ban on CNN, MS NOW, and Politico. The resumption of broadcasts allowed for full live access to presidential events after days without coverage. Xi’s visit to Washington concluded during this renewed access.
The final day of Xi’s visit started with tea at the White House hosted by Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan. In a brief televised statement in the White House Red Room, Trump remarked, “We’ve had a tremendous visit from two spectacular people. We’ve really enjoyed it, and I think we’ve made tremendous strides. Very positive for both countries.” He also expressed gratitude for what he viewed as fair media coverage, saying, “So, thank you very much, and we appreciate the fair coverage. It’s been very fair. We appreciate it.”
Trump’s comments about fair media coverage followed a previous day of sharp criticism directed at major television networks due to ongoing disputes over White House press access. On Thursday, Trump used Truth Social to criticize CNN and MSDNC for not covering what he considered a major event – Xi’s arrival at the White House. He stated, “to show you how fake they are, today refused to cover one of the Biggest and Most Beautiful Events to take place in many years, the arrival at the White House of the Highly Respected President of China, Xi Jinping.”
Past Criticisms and Current Reception
The cordial atmosphere during Xi’s reception contrasted with Trump’s past comments before his presidency. During Xi’s 2015 visit to the U.S., Trump criticized the Obama administration’s hosting of a state dinner for Xi. He suggested that the delegation should have been taken to McDonald’s instead. In a 2015 interview with Fox News host Bill O’Reilly, Trump quipped that Xi might be worth a “double-size Big Mac.” “I would not be throwing him a dinner,” Trump stated, “I’d get him a McDonald’s hamburger, and I’d say we’ve got to get down to work.” By 2026, the situation had evolved, with Xi receiving full state visit honors including a state dinner featuring refined dishes and events at historical locations.
American History Tour
After tea, the presidents visited the National Archives. Trump showed Xi key documents like the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. This visit was meant to emphasize American history as part of its 250th-anniversary celebrations. Trump said, “Just as our ancestors reached across the ocean centuries ago to trade, to learn, and to build a better world, our two countries do really the same thing, and we’re very proud of it.” The visit to the Archives was the summit’s final public event, showcasing ties between the world’s two largest economies.
End of the Visit and Future Meetings
At the conclusion of their discussions, both leaders acknowledged progress made during the visit. Xi expressed satisfaction with the organization and outcome, stating, “The highest courtesies, the most meticulous arrangements. This visit is very successful, and we also feel very satisfied.” Their discussions covered several international issues, though details on some topics were scarce.
The diplomatic events unfolded alongside protests. Demonstrators criticized China’s policies in regions like Tibet and Hong Kong, while some groups showed support for stronger U.S.-China relations. The summit closed as Xi departed Washington, having extended an invitation for Trump and Melania Trump to visit China during the upcoming APEC summit in November. They are also expected to meet at the G20 summit in December. Trump expressed that the summit strengthened ties and anticipated further progress in future meetings.
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