Trump Thanks Media for 'Very Fair' Xi Summit Coverage Amid Ban Fallout

White House Press Ban Blocked, Media Coverage Resumes

Following a federal judge's ruling that temporarily blocked the White House's media ban, live television coverage of President Donald Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping resumed Friday. The decision marked a significant shift in press access dynamics after days of controversy surrounding restrictions on CNN, MS NOW, and Politico.

President Donald Trump, center right, first lady Melania Trump, right, China's President Xi Jinping, center left, and his wife Peng Liyuan arrive at the National Archives Museum, Friday, September 25, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Trump, speaking to reporters in the White House Red Room, commended journalists for what he called "very fair" coverage of the visit. "We've had a tremendous visit from two spectacular people," he said. "We've really enjoyed it, and I think we've made tremendous strides ... Very positive for both countries." His remarks came after days of criticism directed at major television networks over their decision to boycott the press pool during the summit.

Xi's Final Day: Tea, Tours, and Historical Reflection

Xi Jinping's final day in Washington began with a traditional tea ceremony hosted by Trump and first lady Melania Trump. The meeting was part of an extensive diplomatic engagement that concluded with a tour of the National Archives, where the two leaders examined America's founding documents.

"Just as our ancestors reached across the ocean centuries ago to trade, to learn, and to build a better world, our two countries do really the same thing, and we're very proud of it," Trump said during the visit.

The National Archives stop served as a symbolic gesture highlighting the shared history between the United States and China. Trump noted that while America's history spans 250 years, China's cultural heritage extends over 6,000 years. "There's a little difference between 6,000 and 250, but we're very proud of our 250," he remarked.

Trump's Past Remarks Contrast with Current Diplomacy

The warm tone of the current visit stands in stark contrast to Trump's earlier comments. In 2015, while campaigning for president, Trump had suggested that Chinese leader Xi Jinping might be worth a "double-size Big Mac" during a Fox News interview. At the time, he criticized the Obama administration's decision to host a state dinner and proposed a more casual approach to diplomatic engagement.

"I would not be throwing him a dinner. I'd get him a McDonald's hamburger," Trump said in that 2015 interview. "We've got to get down to work... because you can't continue to devalue."

However, in 2026, Xi was treated to the full ceremonial pageantry of a state visit—complete with a White House state dinner, a tour of Marine One, private meetings, and a stop at the National Archives. The evening's menu featured dishes like yellow squash velouté and sesame-crusted sea bass, a far cry from fast food.

Summit Outcomes and Future Meetings

The three-day summit concluded with both leaders expressing satisfaction with their discussions. Xi emphasized that the visit had been "very successful" and that they were "very satisfied." Trump confirmed that they had held a 90-minute closed-door meeting covering international issues such as the Middle East, Ukraine, and the Korean Peninsula.

Trump also noted that they had discussed the ongoing war in Iran without providing further details. He described the meeting as beneficial for farmers and for all Americans. "We had a great meeting. We had a really great meeting. Great for the farmers. Great for everybody," he said.

Following their final encounter, Xi and his wife boarded an Air China Boeing 747-8 to return to Beijing after a 15-hour flight. During the visit, Xi extended an invitation for Trump and Melania to visit China for the APEC summit in Shenzhen in November and noted that they could meet again at the G20 summit in Miami in December.

Protests and Public Reaction

The diplomatic events were held against a backdrop of public protest. Activists gathered near the White House, criticizing China's policies in Tibet, Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and Taiwan while calling for greater political and religious freedoms. Demonstrations also occurred near the National Archives during the leaders' visit.

Despite being kept at a distance from the leaders, protesters' chants echoed through surrounding streets. The demonstrations were accompanied by pro-Beijing supporters waving Chinese flags and advocating for stronger U.S.-China relations.

The contrast between the high-level diplomacy and grassroots activism underscores the complex dynamics of international relations, where personal exchanges often intersect with broader societal concerns.