From Rolling Stone · Nikki McCann Ramirez · · 1m 40s
Trump Meets Xi in Weird White House Display
Trump and Xi share a bizarre White House meeting with Trump's family and tech leaders.
In brief
Trump and Xi share a bizarre White House meeting with Trump's family and tech leaders. Trump hosted Xi at the White House with family members, tech CEOs, and a granite-focused tour, sparking confusion over his priorities. Originally reported by Rolling Stone.
Trump and Xi's White House Meeting
First Lady Melania Trump, President Donald Trump, President of China Xi Jinping, and First Lady of China Peng Liyuan met at the White House on September 24, 2026.
“Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House on Thursday amid a battle with the press corps and a looming midterm elections.”
Trump's Unusual Behavior
Trump gave an undignified full body flinch as planes flew over him during a flyby at Joint Base Andrews.
“he gave an undignified full body flinch .”
Trump's Social Media Gush
Trump posted on Truth Social that Xi looked strong, vibrant, and fit, better than ever, and described Madam Xi as beautiful.
“he looks strong, vibrant, and fit, Better than ever. Madam Xi, of course, BEAUTIFUL!”
Press Clash at White House
Chinese reporters clashed with Secret Service agents over viewing positions at the White House, while American outlets fought in court to enter the grounds.
“Chinese reporters and state media clashed with Secret Service agents about where they would be allowed to stand in order to view the presidents.”
Trump's Family and Cabinet Present
Ivanka Trump, her daughter Arabella Kushner, Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio attended the ceremony.
“Ivanka Trump — the president’s daughter who holds no official government role — and her daughter, Arabella Kushner.”
Granite Focus
Trump described Xi as an expert on granite, saying he loves good granite and has great interest in stone.
“He has great interest in granite. He likes granite. He’s an expert on stone.”
Presidential Walk of Fame
Trump showed Xi a framed photo of an autopen replacing a portrait of former President Joe Biden.
“the photo of an autopen he’d had framed in place of a portrait of former President Joe Biden.”
State Dinner with Tech Leaders
Trump hosted a black-tie state dinner with Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and other CEOs, Supreme Court justices, and Fox News hosts.
“The main event, however, was the decadent three-course state dinner Thursday night.”
What matters most
Trump hosted Xi at the White House with family members, tech CEOs, and a granite-focused tour, sparking confusion over his priorities.
