Donald Trump faced online ridicule after wearing a heavy winter coat and leather gloves while welcoming Chinese President Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Wednesday evening, despite mild temperatures of 18°C.
Red Carpet Arrival
US Marines smoothed out a crimson carpet on the tarmac as Xi descended from his plane to meet Trump. The two leaders stood alongside their spouses for a ceremony that included a full national anthem performance, a cannon salute and a military flyover.
Journalist Aaron Rupar highlighted the wardrobe choice, writing: "It is 64 degrees at Joint Base Andrews right now and yet Trump is wearing gloves are he greets President Xi."
The jet engine noise caused Trump to visibly wince on camera, while Xi watched calmly as the aircraft passed overhead.
Breach of Protocol
The tarmac spectacle marked a major departure from traditional diplomatic protocol, as US presidents typically reserve such greetings and red-carpet displays for White House visits.
The lavish welcome drew sharp criticism from figures within Trump's own party. Mississippi Senator Roger Wicker attacked the event on the Senate floor, saying: "Had the White House asked me for advice, I would have suggested the president not invite Xi Jinping to Washington for such a lavish welcome here in the United States, based on all of the troubling issues we have with President Xi and the Chinese Communist Party."
Wicker added that Trump, "during every minute of dialogue," should remember that "his guest is a brutal, unelected and oppressive dictator who seeks to dominate his neighbours and whose massive military arsenal is aimed directly at the United States of America."
Domestic Pressure
The ceremony took place as Trump faces mounting pressure at home, including tanking approval ratings, backlash over ongoing conflict in Iran and a row with the press after banning several major news outlets from the White House.
