Trump’s gloves and winter coat steal attention as Xi Jinping gets lavish US military welcome

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MARYLAND: President Donald Trump turned up at Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday, September 23, to welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping, but it was his appearance that quickly caught attention.

Trump, 80, wore black gloves and a full winter coat as he stood alongside Xi and their wives, Melania Trump and Peng Liyuan, during the arrival ceremony. The weather at the Maryland military base was around 64 to 65 degrees, making the outfit stand out to people watching the ceremony.

Xi, who arrived with his wife for a three-day state visit to the United States, was greeted by Trump after stepping off his plane. US Marines had rolled out a red carpet for the Chinese president before the ceremony began. 

Donald Trump’s gloves and coat become a talking point

Journalist Aaron Rupar pointed to the weather at Joint Base Andrews while commenting on Trump's appearance. “It is 64 degrees at Joint Base Andrews right now and yet Trump is wearing gloves are he greets President Xi,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

The moment quickly became part of the wider online reaction to Xi’s arrival. Twitch streamer Hasan Piker also reacted to footage of the ceremony, asking, “Trump -- it’s your airshow. How do you get scared?”

The comment came after Trump appeared to visibly wince when a military jet flew loudly overhead during the ceremony. Xi, standing beside him, appeared to watch the plane pass without the same visible reaction.

The two presidents stood together as the national anthem played and cannons were fired in salute. Their wives also stood nearby during the formal welcome.

With cameras focused on the arrival, Trump's outfit and reaction became noticeable parts of an otherwise carefully planned state ceremony. 

Xi Jinping receives a formal welcome at Joint Base Andrews

The arrival ceremony itself was also unusual because it took place on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews rather than at the White House.

Xi arrived at the Maryland military base after a nearly 11-hour flight from Beijing.

The red carpet was brought out for the Chinese president, with US Marines preparing the area before his arrival.

The ceremony was a more elaborate welcome than the setting typically used when American presidents receive major foreign dignitaries. Trump has used a similar approach before.

When Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Alaska in 2025, Trump also rolled out a red carpet for him.

Former President Joe Biden took a different approach during Xi's 2024 visit. Biden waited to greet the Chinese president until Xi arrived at the site of their summit in San Francisco.

Biden also welcomed Xi with a military guard and red carpet, but the ceremony was not held on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews.

The recent US visit by King Charles and Queen Camilla also followed a different arrangement, with Trump greeting the British monarch and queen at the White House.

Donald Trump and Xi Jinping begin three-day state visit

Xi’s arrival on Wednesday was only the beginning of his three-day visit to the United States.

There were no other state events scheduled for Wednesday after the arrival ceremony.

The main talks are planned for Thursday, when Trump and Xi are scheduled to hold bilateral discussions at the White House until late afternoon.

The day will then continue with a state dinner hosted by Trump and Melania for Xi and Peng, along with their respective envoys.

Reuters has reported that some technology leaders are also expected to attend the dinner.

On Friday, Xi and Peng are scheduled to begin their day with a private tea with Trump and Melania at the White House.

They are also scheduled to visit the US National Archives, where they will see documents connected to American history.