State Dinner Features Prominent US CEOs Amid Absence of Chinese Delegation
The White House hosted a state dinner attended by over 30 US CEOs, with notable figures from the tech industry seated at the head table, while the Chinese business delegation was absent.
The White House held a state dinner featuring more than 30 US CEOs, predominantly from the technology sector, banking, automotive, and pharmaceuticals. Notably, Elon Musk of Tesla and SpaceX, Jensen Huang of Nvidia, former Apple CEO Tim Cook, and Lisa Su of Advanced Micro Devices were seated at the head table alongside President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.
In his address, Trump emphasized the importance of the US-China relationship, stating it is built on a "foundation of commerce and mutual respect between our countries," and expressed hope for continued collaboration that fosters prosperity and security for future generations. The dinner menu highlighted American ingredients with subtle Chinese influences, including wild mushroom fricassée, sesame-crusted sea bass, and honey ice cream.
The guest list was particularly notable for the presence of tech leaders and advocates for artificial intelligence. Huang has recently voiced concerns regarding government regulations on the tech sector, a sentiment echoed by Trump. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella shared optimism about the US-China relationship, stating that both nations ultimately desire technology that benefits their citizens, with safety being a key consideration as norms are established.
The event also included a mix of administration officials, Republican leaders, and media personalities, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser among the attendees. Former Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos was seen seated next to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine.