Senator Tillis Labels Trump-xi Meeting as "Bizarre Moment
WHO:
Alternet - Sue Gordon, a national security expert and former CIA officer, criticized Secretary of State Marco Rubio for his silence regarding President Trump's reception of Xi Jinping.
CBS News - Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina criticized President Trump and his reception of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
WHAT:
Alternet - Critics claimed that President Trump "fawned" over Xi Jinping during the multi-day event at the White House.
CBS News - President Trump hosted Xi Jinping at the White House for a state dinner.
CBS News - Senator Tillis described the meeting as "a WTF moment."
WHERE:
CBS News - The event took place at the White House.
WHEN:
CBS News - The state dinner occurred on September 24, 2026.
WHY:
Alternet - Sue Gordon expressed that Trump's actions signal weakness to China and disrespect to America's allies, stating, "What you're sending a message to our allies and partners is you — we are going to say whatever is expedient for us."
CBS News - Senator Tillis expressed confusion over President Trump's shift toward China between his first and second terms.
HOW:
Alternet - Gordon explained that by flattering China, Trump has revealed himself and given them an opening to influence the U.S.
CBS News - The discussion included topics such as Chinese coordination with Iran and the Taiwan arms race.
(UPDATED September 25, 2026 02:59 UTC)
National security expert and former CIA officer Sue Gordon has criticized Secretary of State Marco Rubio for not addressing President Trump's warm reception of Xi Jinping during a recent multi-day event at the White House. Critics argue that Trump "fawned" over Xi, with Gordon stating that his actions convey weakness to China and disrespect to America's allies. She emphasized that by flattering China, Trump has inadvertently opened the door for them to exert influence over the United States.
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(UPDATED September 25, 2026 02:03 UTC)
President Trump hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House for a state dinner, which Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina criticized as "a WTF moment." Tillis expressed confusion over Trump's shift toward China between his first and second terms, highlighting concerns about issues like Chinese coordination with Iran and the Taiwan arms race. The state dinner took place on September 24, 2026, drawing attention to the evolving dynamics in U.S.-China relations.