Former President Donald Trump has ignited a fresh controversy with remarks about President Joe Biden's diplomatic standing with China. During an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity following his own meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump stated, 'Joe Biden wouldn't even get a meeting with Xi.' The comment quickly spread across social media, provoking a wave of fact-checking and strong reactions from both supporters and critics.

The interview, aired on Friday, May 15, 2026, took place after Trump concluded a high-stakes meeting with Xi in Beijing. Trump appeared buoyant about the encounter, portraying it as a sign of his own diplomatic prowess. However, his swipe at Biden was met with immediate pushback online, as users recalled that Biden and Xi had met on multiple occasions during Biden's presidency.

Background: The Biden-Xi Meetings

Trump's assertion that Xi would not meet Biden contradicts documented history. The two leaders held their last official meeting on November 16, 2024, in Lima, Peru, during the APEC summit. That meeting was widely described as a 'farewell' encounter aimed at stabilizing bilateral relations ahead of the U.S. presidential transition. Prior to that, in November 2023, Xi Jinping traveled to the United States for a summit with Biden at the Filoli Estate in Woodside, California, near San Francisco. This meeting also coincided with the APEC summit, and the two leaders discussed a range of issues including trade, technology, and climate change.

During the 2023 visit, Xi walked the grounds of the historic estate with Biden, and the pair engaged in substantive talks that were seen as an effort to reduce tensions between the world's two largest economies. The meeting was widely covered by international media and marked Xi's first trip to the United States in years.

Trump's claim that Xi 'wouldn't even meet' Biden therefore appears at odds with these events. Critics quickly noted that Xi had come to the U.S. to see Biden, not the other way around. This distinction was central to the backlash.

Trump's Comments in Full

During the Fox News interview, Hannity and Trump discussed the logistics and significance of the Beijing meeting. Trump elaborated: 'Our country, two years ago – if Biden came here, I don't even think he would get a meeting with President Xi. I don't think they'd even meet with them.' Hannity interjected with a remark about Biden's focus, to which Trump added, 'He wouldn't come here. But assuming he came, I don't think he'd even have a meeting. It's amazing actually, a lot of people... I noticed even with the business leaders. They're the biggest businessmen in the world. And women... A couple of women... And most of them, almost all of them, but most of them never met President Xi.'

These statements suggest a belief that Xi Jinping has become more selective about whom he meets, with Trump implying that Biden lacked the stature to secure a sit-down. Yet, records from the Biden administration indicate that diplomatic engagement with China continued through both in-person summits and virtual exchanges.

Social Media Reacts

Platform X (formerly Twitter) became a battleground over the veracity of Trump's claim. One user posted a photo from Xi's 2023 visit to the U.S., captioned, 'Xi came to see Biden, not the other way around. Donald Trump is an idiot.' Another user wryly noted, 'I love reading these posts from the people Trump has completely broken.'

Supporters of Trump, however, echoed his sentiment. One wrote, 'Biden doesn't even know where he is, who he is and Under Biden, Russia invaded Ukraine, Hamas invaded Israel and Iran created thousands of drones and missiles. Biden is literally the worst president ever after Carter.' This comment conflates Trump's claim with broader criticisms of Biden's foreign policy.

A more balanced observation came from a user who pointed out, 'Xi never visited Biden at the WH. They did meet on the sidelines of APEC Summit. 2017: President Xi met with President Donald Trump at the Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Xi has been invited to the WH Sept 2026.' This highlights a nuance: while Xi visited the U.S. for APEC, the meetings were not official state visits to the White House. However, a State Department invitation for Xi to visit the White House in September 2026 was reportedly extended, though that would occur after Trump's term if he were elected again.

Another user simply stated, 'Xis is coming to the White House later this year…' – a reference to the planned September visit. Yet another observer wrote, 'I realize you're mentally challenged due to your archaic, underdeveloped brain, but President Xi will visit the USA in September.' The tone of the exchanges underscores the deep partisan divide in how each camp interprets diplomatic history.

Historical Context: Trump's Own Relationship with Xi

Trump's relationship with Xi dates back to his first term. In April 2017, Xi visited Trump at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, where the two leaders established a personal rapport. That meeting led to a 'deal' on trade that later unraveled, devolving into tariffs and a trade war. Despite tensions, Trump has often praised Xi as a strong leader, and their interactions have been marked by a mix of confrontation and mutual respect.

Trump's recent Beijing visit reportedly covered topics such as trade imbalances, technology transfer, and North Korea. The meeting was seen as an opportunity for Trump to showcase his diplomatic skills as he considers another presidential run. His attempt to contrast himself with Biden on China is a familiar trope in his political messaging.

Fact-Checking the Claim

Fact-checkers quickly assessed Trump's statement. PolitiFact and other outlets noted that Biden and Xi have met at least three times: in November 2021 (virtual), November 2022 (in-person at Bali, Indonesia during the G20), November 2023 (in Woodside, California), and November 2024 (Lima, Peru). Additionally, there were working-level meetings and phone calls. While it is true that Xi did not visit the White House during Biden's term, the claim that Xi 'wouldn't even meet' Biden is false. The two leaders held substantive summits.

Moreover, diplomatic protocols often dictate that Chinese leaders rarely visit Washington unless a state visit is arranged; most recent US-China meetings have occurred on neutral ground or in China. Thus, the absence of a White House visit does not signify a lack of willingness to meet.

Broader Implications

The controversy highlights the ongoing politicization of US-China relations. Trump's remarks feed into a narrative that Biden is weak on foreign policy, while his supporters view the Beijing meeting as a sign of Trump's global clout. For his part, Biden's team has pointed to the stability of the US-China relationship under his watch, including the establishment of deconfliction mechanisms and continued economic engagement.

As the 2026 midterms approach and with the 2028 presidential race looming, such exchanges are likely to intensify. The truth, however, is that both Trump and Biden have engaged Xi Jinping; the differences are more about style and venue than substance.

Meanwhile, Xi himself has maintained a careful balancing act, engaging with leaders across the political spectrum. His upcoming visit to the United States in September 2026, if realized, would mark a significant moment, regardless of who occupies the White House at that time.

Source: AOL.com News