Fact Check: Did Trump break his lifelong no-drinking alcohol rule to impress Xi Jinping?
BEIJING, CHINA: Amid President Donald Trump's ongoing visit to China, a rumor circulated on social media platforms claiming that the president broke his lifelong no-drinking rule to impress Chinese President Xi Jinping, sparking speculations and mockery. Let us analyse the origins of the rumour and fact-check the viral claim.
Claim: Donald Trump broke his no-drinking rule in China
The claim surfaced during Trump's high-stakes visit to China on Wednesday, where he was seen raising a glass and taking a sip while toasting Jinping at an official state event.
At the formal toast ceremony, Trump praised what he called the “rich and enduring ties” between the American and Chinese people and described his bond with Xi as “a very special relationship.”
“I now like to raise a glass and propose a toast,” Trump said during the event, before taking a sip alongside the Communist leader.
The gesture quickly sparked speculations online, with users claiming that the 79-year-old broke his lifelong no-drinking rule to impress Jinping.
The claim has been amplified by various accounts on X, Facebook, and Instagram, garnering hundreds of thousands of views.
Fact Check: The claim is unconfirmed
However, whether or not he actually consumed alcohol or simply symbolically joined the toast remains unclear. There is no evidence that Trump’s drink was alcohol or water.
Public toasts among world leaders attract a lot of attention. Even minor actions can hold political significance, as a raised glass during tense discussions might show respect, goodwill, or an openness to work together despite disagreements.
That is why Trump’s sip in Beijing is seen not as a casual action, but as a deliberate diplomatic gesture.
Why Donald Trump's Beijing toast drew attention
The gesture grabbed global attention as Trump is known for avoiding alcohol, even during state dinners.
The president's decision is linked to the painful death of his elder brother, Fred Trump Jr, who struggled with alcoholism and died young at 42, which left a deep impact on Trump, who once said it convinced him never to touch alcohol in his life.
Even after winning the election, Trump asserted, “I’ve never had a drink,” a claim that has been part of his political identity for years.
Unlike many world leaders who use drinks and banquets as part of diplomacy, Trump has always projected himself as someone who stayed away from alcohol, even during diplomatic meetings.
