Trump gifts Xi US national symbol, says they've never gotten along better
At a recent White House state dinner, President Trump presented Chinese President Xi with a sculptural gift—a bald eagle sculpture crafted by a prominent American artist in collaboration with the First Lady. The piece, intended as a symbol of American freedom, was highlighted in the ceremony.
The work is a strikingly realistic representation of the national bird, merging traditional figurative techniques with a polished, almost monumental finish. Its soaring posture and meticulous detailing aim to convey the “free and soaring spirit of America,” a phrase repeated during the presentation.
The gift arrived amid a highly choreographed diplomatic tableau, surrounded by tech moguls and a black‑tie crowd, while protesters outside voiced dissent. The juxtaposition of high‑tech guests and a classic representational sculpture underscores the complex cultural exchange at play.
In a reciprocal gesture, Xi later announced a pair of pandas bound for Atlanta, reinforcing the long‑standing practice of using animal and artistic ambassadors to smooth geopolitical tensions.