Trump clarifies Xi’s 'declining nation' remarks targeted Biden, not his administration

Trump argues China’s critique of American weakness applied only to the past administration
Trump reports that Xi saw Biden's term as a 'decline' but now hails the US's 'tremendous successes.' The president credits his border and tax reforms for the shift (Brendan Smialowski/Pool Photo via AP)
Trump reports that Xi saw Biden's term as a 'decline' but now hails the US's 'tremendous successes.' The president credits his border and tax reforms for the shift (Brendan Smialowski/Pool Photo via AP)

BEIJING, CHINA: President Donald Trump, in a Truth Social post, clarified that Chinese President Xi Jinping’s description of America as a "declining nation" was a direct reference to the "tremendous damage" caused by the Biden administration, noting that "on that score, he was 100% correct." 

President Trump emphasized that while the US fell behind under the previous leadership, the nation has moved past that period of weakness and is now experiencing a historic resurgence.

President Donald Trump participates in a welcome ceremony with China's President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People, Thursday, May 14, 2026, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
President Donald Trump participates in a welcome ceremony with China's President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People, Thursday, May 14, 2026, in Beijing (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Trump highlights national suffering under Biden admin

President Trump on Thursday, May 14, made it clear that any talk of national decline belongs strictly to the four years led by "sleepy" Joe Biden. 

He argued that the country suffered immensely during that time due to failed policies like open borders, high taxes, and "country-destroying DEI."

Trump stated that "Our Country suffered immeasurably with open borders, high taxes, transgender for everybody, men in women’s sports, DEI, horrible trade deals, rampant crime, and so much more!" 



Trump then shifted the focus to the massive gains made during the "16 spectacular months of the Trump Administration," proving that the US is no longer in decline. 

He pointed to all-time high stock markets, a record $18 trillion in foreign investment, and the best job market in history as proof of a new economic powerhouse.

Trump stated that "President Xi was not referring to the incredible rise that the United States has displayed to the world" during this new term, which has seen the military become the strongest on earth and the end of destructive social policies.

President Donald Trump participates in a welcome ceremony with China's President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People, Thursday, May 14, 2026, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
President Donald Trump participates in a welcome ceremony with China's President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People, Thursday, May 14, 2026, in Beijing (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Trump reveals President Xi congratulated him on rapid global success 

Beyond domestic success, President Trump highlighted major foreign policy achievements that have restored American dominance.

He specifically cited a "military victory and thriving relationship in Venezuela" and the "military decimation of Iran," adding a warning that such efforts are "to be continued."

Trump revealed that these successes have earned the respect of global leaders, noting that President Xi even congratulated him on the "tremendous successes" achieved in such a short time.

He insisted that while the US was a nation in decline two years ago, it is now the "hottest nation anywhere in the world."

Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, and U.S. President Donald Trump attend a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Thursday, May 14, 2026. (Kenny Holston/Pool Photo via AP)
Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump attend a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Thursday, May 14, 2026 (Kenny Holston/Pool Photo via AP)

Trump vows better relationship with China following resurgence 

President Trump remains optimistic that this renewed American strength will lead to a more stable and productive era of diplomacy.

He agreed with President Xi that the nation had been failing, but emphasized that the situation had completely flipped under his leadership.

The President concluded his post by looking ahead, stating, "Hopefully our relationship with China will be stronger and better than ever before!"

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