Xi’s White House photographs remain after state visit

Photographs of Chinese President Xi Jinping with US President Donald Trump remain on display at the White House after Xi’s recent state visit, according to the supplied report. At least two images feature Xi. One shows the presidents standing side by side near a Palm Room doorway, with Chinese and American flags behind them.

The photograph is set in an ornate gold frame beneath a crystal chandelier. A separate image shows Trump and Xi facing each other while shaking hands. Trump showed that photograph to Xi during the visit and joked, “Who is that?

I don’t recognise him.” Xi appeared to laugh briefly while turning towards members of his delegation. Journalist Jacqueline Alemany shared an image of the Palm Room display on X, noting that photographs of Trump with Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin lined the doorway area. The Palm Room collection predates last week’s summit.

CNN Newsource reported in January that the renovated room included gold-framed images of Trump with Xi, Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as photographs of Trump alone and with footballer Cristiano Ronaldo. It is unclear whether the image currently beside the doorway is the same one reported in January or whether it has been moved. The South China Morning Post said it had asked the White House when the photograph was installed, which meeting it depicts and who chose the images.

Xi’s September 23-25 visit included an airport welcome, White House talks and a state dinner. Meanwhile, photographs of the presidents’ meetings were also displayed at a Chinese embassy reception marking China’s National Day.