Trump swoons over strongman soulmate Xi
Deference was deafening as US president rolled out red carpet for world’s biggest jailer of journalists – perhaps he was seeking tips
TL;DR
- Donald Trump hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House, rolling out a red carpet and limiting access for many US journalists.
- Trump expressed admiration for Xi, calling him a "strongman soulmate" and noting their "great friendship."
- Xi Jinping announced plans to invite 100,000 American students to China and offered to send two giant pandas to Atlanta.
- The meeting occurred amid concerns about China's press freedom record, with China ranking 178th in Reporters Without Borders' index.
- Trump gave Xi a tour of his property, highlighting Xi's interest in granite.
- Some banned reporters were later allowed back onto the White House campus after a judge ruled Trump's actions unconstitutional.