President Donald Trump presented Chinese President Xi Jinping with a statue of a bald eagle during a White House state dinner on Thursday night, a gesture that quickly drew criticism on social media. The sculpture, which Trump said he and first lady Melania helped design, was given at the end of the second day of Xi's three-day state visit.
Gift Details and Trump's Remarks
Trump said the statue came from an "extraordinary American artist" but did not name the creator. "It's my honour to present President Xi with a gift made by an extraordinary American artist, one of the greatest in the world, and designed in personal collaboration with Melania and myself," Trump said. He added, "The bald eagle is a national symbol of the United States and an embodiment of the free and soaring spirit of America. And we hope it will find a nice place, a wonderful place in Beijing. It's your honour." Xi arrived empty-handed and had no gift to give in return.
Social Media Reaction
The gift drew criticism online, with some users pointing to Trump's previous attacks on communism. "So no more claiming to be against Communism?" one user wrote. Another shared footage from July showing Trump denouncing communism, writing, "Also, Trump." A third commented, "Thinks a Bald Eagle will keep Xi in good graces." In June, Trump described communism as "this horrible threat of cancer that's permeating our country" during a speech at the Faith & Freedom Coalition Conference in Washington. On Sunday, the White House posted on X that "communism directly opposes the United States Constitution and American values," adding that "while every Democrat voted against the largest tax cuts in American history and over 100 refuse to condemn socialism, President Trump will ensure that communism never has a place in America."
State Visit and Trade Deal Extension
The dinner took place as both countries agreed to extend a trade deal until January 10. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the extension in an interview with Fox News, saying it would give the two sides more time to work on key issues including tariffs and trade barriers. "I don't know whether a bigger deal can be done," Bessent said. "I don't know whether we will just roll the current deal." Trade is one of several major points of tension between the US and China, alongside artificial intelligence, Trump's conflict with Iran and China's ambitions with Taiwan. Protesters opposing Xi's visit drowned out the official band with chants as Xi and his wife, Madame Peng, arrived for the dinner. Trump appeared to lean towards Xi and say something quietly, prompting the Chinese president to briefly chuckle. The four then posed for photos before Trump escorted Xi inside.
