GOP Senator Slams Xi as 'Reptile' Amidst Trump's Warm Welcome
While President Trump hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House, some lawmakers on Capitol Hill expressed sharp criticism of the Chinese leader and the administration's approach.
Republican Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana sharply criticized Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to the White House, calling him a "reptile" and asserting that "his God is himself." Kennedy's remarks came as President Donald Trump hosted Xi, a visit that has drawn mixed reactions from lawmakers concerned about China's trade practices and geopolitical actions.
"The President wants to work things out with him, and I admire that ... and wish him luck," Kennedy told reporters, contrasting Trump's diplomatic overtures with his own skepticism. "This man thinks he's on a mission from God, except his God is himself."
Connecticut Democrat Richard Blumenthal suggested a more confrontational stance, stating that Trump should issue an ultimatum rather than a welcome. Blumenthal, who attended a classified briefing on China's support for Iran, argued that Trump should tell Xi to cease certain actions, threatening a halt to discussions on AI and other matters.
Xi's visit occurred amidst an ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China, characterized by retaliatory tariffs and trade restrictions. Congressional leaders have frequently voiced concerns over Beijing's trade policies, their impact on U.S. supply chains, and broader national security implications.
While some lawmakers, like Blumenthal, advocated for a tougher approach, others urged a more measured response. New Jersey Democrat Cory Booker disagreed with Kennedy's characterization of Xi, stating he would not "demean or degrade another person in that way," while acknowledging Xi as a "strategic competitor."
West Virginia Republican Senator Jim Justice emphasized the need for the U.S. and China to maintain a working relationship, noting that "China is a superpower, we need to be getting along, and we need to be respectful of others." He added that such respect should be reciprocal, echoing Trump's own experience during his visit to China earlier in the year.
President Trump himself described a "truly great friendship" with Xi, recalling their "time spent together all over the world" and Trump's "spectacular and very beautiful hospitality" during his own trip to Beijing. However, the warm public reception from the President contrasted with the more critical sentiments expressed by some members of Congress.
Virginia Democrat Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations committees, indicated he would not have extended the same level of hospitality as Trump.
Other Republicans sought to use the meeting as an opportunity to press specific policy concerns. Iowa Republican Senator Joni Ernst highlighted the importance of ensuring China fulfills its commitments, particularly regarding American farmland ownership and agricultural purchases. Ernst has been a vocal advocate for restricting Chinese acquisition of U.S. farmland.
