WASHINGTON D.C. – May 15, 2026 — President Donald Trump recounted on Friday that Chinese President Xi Jinping praised the United States’ economic and national resurgence under his administration during their recent summit in Beijing, describing it as a “virtual miracle” after years of perceived decline.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One as he departed China, Trump quoted Xi as saying the U.S. had been declining over the previous four years but that the changes in the last 15-16 months were transformative.
“He said the U.S. was declining for the last four years, and he said what President Trump has done in the last 15, 16 months has been virtually a miracle. He said we have the hottest country anywhere in the world,” Trump stated.
Trump added that Xi acknowledged the country had been “seriously declining” under the prior administration, referencing issues like migration and broader national challenges. Video footage from the gaggle shows Trump addressing reporters directly in the aircraft cabin, with U.S. officials and media present.
The remarks follow a two-day summit in Beijing focused on trade, market access, Taiwan, Iran, and economic cooperation. Trump described the meetings as productive, noting progress on several fronts and a strong personal rapport with Xi, whom he called a “great leader.” No major formal agreements were announced, though both sides expressed optimism about future ties.
Chinese state media and official readouts of the summit have not publicly confirmed Trump’s specific characterization of Xi’s comments. During the meetings, Xi reportedly referenced the “Thucydides Trap” — the idea of tension between an established power and a rising one — while stressing the need for cooperation to avoid conflict, particularly over Taiwan.
Reactions Split Along Partisan Lines
Supporters of the president hailed the reported comments as validation of Trump’s “America First” policies and evidence of renewed U.S. strength on the global stage. Critics, however, questioned the accuracy of the account, suggesting diplomatic flattery or misinterpretation, and pointed to ongoing U.S.-China tensions.
The White House Rapid Response account amplified Trump’s remarks shortly after they were made, posting video of the exchange.
The summit comes amid broader efforts to manage competition between the world’s two largest economies while addressing flashpoints like Taiwan and trade imbalances. Trump has not yet decided on advancing certain arms sales to Taiwan, according to reports from the trip.
Further details on any concrete outcomes from the Beijing meetings are expected in the coming days as the administration debriefs.
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