President Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the United States with a formal ceremony at Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday. The arrival featured a 100-foot red carpet, a cannon salute, and an honor cordon of 21 people alongside color guards carrying the flags of both nations. This high-profile reception comes as the leaders prepare for a three-day state visit to discuss critical international issues, including trade and the rapid development of artificial intelligence.
The decision to provide such a lavish welcome has sparked immediate pushback from lawmakers in both parties. Senator Roger Wicker, a Republican from Mississippi, expressed his disapproval during a speech on the Senate floor on Tuesday. He noted that he would have advised the president to not invite Xi Jinping to Washington for such a lavish welcome.
