Trump Hosts Xi for State Dinner With Tech and Banking Leaders

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping and Madame Peng Liyuan at the White House North Portico on Wednesday for a black-tie state dinner in the East Room. The event gathered a high-profile mix of government officials and corporate leaders.

Trump told reporters the guest list reflected extraordinary demand, saying the "entire tech world" and "entire banking world" wanted to attend and joking that he wished the White House had more seats. Attendees included Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Sundar Pichai, Jensen Huang, Sam Altman, Tim Cook, Michael Dell, and Jane Fraser.

“I would say you have the entire tech world, the entire banking world, and a lot more. I wish we had more seats.”

Political figures at the dinner included Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Chief Justice John Roberts, Speaker Mike Johnson, and Trump family members Ivanka and Eric Trump. LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault and Fox News anchors Bret Baier, Laura Ingraham, and Jesse Watters were also present.

Melania Trump oversaw the menu, which blended American ingredients with Chinese influences. The first course was a yellow squash velouté with wild mushroom fricassée, crispy pancetta, and scallion oil. The main featured sesame-crusted sea bass with braised bok choy and roasted eggplant in green sauce. Dessert was vanilla cream with White House honey ice cream, nuts, frangipane, and candied cherries.

The evening included a toast with Schramsberg "Blanc De Noir" sparkling wine and performances by military musicians and tenor Christopher Macchio. Trump emphasized enduring ties between the American and Chinese people despite different political systems.