Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump concluded their three-day summit as live television coverage of White House events resumed. A federal judge’s decision temporarily blocked the administration’s ban on CNN, MS NOW, and Politico, allowing the return of full live broadcast access.
Xi’s final day in Washington began at the White House, where Trump and first lady Melania Trump hosted the Chinese leader and his wife, Peng Liyuan, for tea. During brief remarks in the White House Red Room, Trump expressed his satisfaction: “We’ve had a tremendous visit from two spectacular people. We’ve enjoyed it, and I think we’ve made tremendous strides, very positive for both countries.”
Trump thanked reporters for “fair coverage,” following previous criticism directed at major television networks regarding White House press access. He had complained on Truth Social about the networks not covering Xi’s arrival, labeling them as “fake news.”
Trump Once Said He Would Only Offer Xi a ‘Double-Size Big Mac’
Trump’s warm reception of Xi contrasted with his comments from more than a decade ago. During Xi’s visit in 2015, Trump criticized the Obama administration hosting a state dinner for Xi and instead joked about offering him a McDonald’s hamburger to get down to business.
Despite past comments, the 2026 state visit included full pageantry, showcasing hospitality with a state dinner and a range of events, including a note-worthy menu featuring yellow squash velouté and sesame-crusted sea bass.
The White House revealed limited details about the private talks, but Trump mentioned discussions regarding the war in Iran. After exchanging a final handshake outside the Archives, Xi concluded his visit.
Trump Gives Xi a Tour of American History
The leaders visited the National Archives, with Trump highlighting American founding documents. Trump remarked on historical connections: “Just as our ancestors reached across the ocean centuries ago to trade, learn, and build a better world, our two countries do really the same thing.”
Trump noted the difference in historical timelines, proudly reflecting on America’s 250-year history compared to China’s 6,000 years.
Trump, Xi Part Ways After Three-Day Visit
The summit produced extensions of the current U.S.-China trade framework and commitments for stable relations. Xi expressed satisfaction with the visit, stating, “The highest courtesies, the most meticulous arrangements.”
During closed-door meetings, discussions covered international issues like the Middle East, Ukraine, and the Korean Peninsula.
Xi extended an invitation to Trump for the APEC summit and anticipated a meeting at the G20 summit in Miami.
Xi and Peng Liyuan departed Washington aboard their Air China flight, marking the end of a summit noted for diplomatic ceremonial exchanges amid protests criticizing China’s policies.
Activists gathered to voice opposition to policies in Tibet, Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, calling for increased political and religious freedoms. Pro-Beijing supporters also attended, advocating for closer U.S.-China relations.