Washington (Brussels Morning Newspaper) September 25, 2026 – U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping for a state dinner at the White House on Thursday. The high-profile event brought together billionaire tech executives, administration officials, and foreign dignitaries. The banquet followed a day of official engagements and pageantry designed to highlight bilateral relations between the two nations.
White House Arrival And High-Profile Guest List
The evening commenced with President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump welcoming Chinese President Xi Jinping and Madame Peng Liyuan at the White House. The guest list featured prominent technology figures and business leaders, including OpenAI Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman, Nvidia Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang, Tesla Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk, and Apple Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook.
Administration officials in attendance included Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. Members of the United States Supreme Court, including Chief Justice John Roberts, Justice Amy Coney Barrett, and Justice Brett Kavanaugh, also joined the gathering alongside congressional leaders, cabinet secretaries, and international trade representatives.
Menu Selection And Culinary Details
The state dinner menu, coordinated by First Lady Melania Trump, incorporated American ingredients with culinary traditions reflective of Chinese culture. The meal was served on historical red china from the presidency of Ronald Reagan in the low-lit East Room, which featured red and gold decorations.
The first course consisted of a yellow squash velouté prepared with wild mushrooms, fresh herbs, crispy pancetta, and a drizzle of scallion oil. The main course featured sesame-crusted sea bass served alongside braised baby bok choy, roasted garden eggplant, and a sauce verte. Dessert comprised a vanilla crémeux with sour cherry confit, walnut frangipane, and ice cream made using honey harvested from the White House.
Entertainment for the evening was provided by classically trained tenor Christopher Macchio, alongside musical performances from the United States Marine Band, the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, the United States Army Chorus, and other military musicians.
Presidential Toasts And Bilateral Remarks
During the banquet, President Trump addressed the assembled guests with a toast emphasizing the connection between the American and Chinese populations. President Trump remarked that both leaders recognize they represent different political systems, noting that bilateral ties continue to endure and that relations have progressed positively.
President Xi delivered remarks focusing on historical exchanges between the two nations, citing early trade relations established centuries ago and cooperation during past conflicts. The Chinese leader stated that both countries must function as responsible major nations to address expectations from their respective populations and navigate international dynamics.
As part of the formal proceedings, President Trump presented President Xi with a custom-crafted statue of a bald eagle designed in collaboration with First Lady Melania Trump.
Evening Tour Of White House Construction Site
Following the dinner portion of the event, President Trump invited attendees to view the ongoing construction work on the White House grounds. The U.S. president led guests to inspect the site of the new ballroom project, telling attendees that they would be the initial group to set foot on the worksite. The events concluded late Thursday evening following the conclusion of the scheduled performances and site tour.
