US President Donald Trump announced on July 6, 2026, that Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit the United States around September 24, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. The visit is likely timed to coincide with the United Nations General Assembly's annual high-level meeting in New York, where Trump is scheduled to speak on September 22 [1, 2, 3]. Trump typically stays in New York for several days during the UN gathering to meet other world leaders [1, 2].
Trump highlighted preparations by the White House related to Xi's visit, including the construction of a large new ballroom designed to hold thousands of guests. He said, "Everyone wants to see Xi," emphasizing the profile of the visit [1, 2, 4]. The White House is also reportedly building a new helicopter landing pad on the South Lawn to accommodate new Sikorsky Marine One helicopters. This project is said to have been accelerated for the visit, with estimated costs ranging between $5 million and $13 million depending on sources [1, 5, 6]. The Washington Post reported that the overall renovation project, including the South Portico and driveway refurbishments, totals at least $13 million [1, 5].
Trump has also suggested remodeling the 200-year-old North Portico columns of the White House from their original Ionic style to a more elaborate Corinthian style with lion head decorations [1].
The upcoming September visit would be the second face-to-face meeting between Trump and Xi in 2026, following their May summit in Beijing aimed at improving bilateral relations amid ongoing geopolitical issues, including Middle East tensions, Taiwan, and tariffs [1, 2, 7]. Since becoming Chinese president in 2012, Xi has attended the UN General Assembly in person only once before [1, 2].
As of July 6, 2026, there has been no official confirmation or comment from Chinese authorities regarding the visit [1, 3]. Trump linked the new ballroom construction and the expedited helicopter pad project directly to preparations for Xi's visit [1, 4].
Trump is scheduled to deliver his speech at the United Nations General Assembly on September 22, 2026, with the expected meeting with Xi to follow around September 24 in New York [1, 2].
