Folks, I almost spilled my coffee reading this one. President Donald Trump spent months plotting ways to impress Xi Jinping, and it’s just amazing to see how it all went down. Trump enlisted two military bands, ordered up a flyover, sped up construction of his new helipad, and rolled out a literal red carpet for the Chinese leader’s state visit. But, in the end, it was all about the cameras, baby! Trump ended up directly undercutting what Xi craved most: network television cameras. Can you believe it?
I mean, Trump had everything planned out, from the ceremonial events to the tour of the US’ most treasured founding documents. But, when he banned three news outlets, including CNN, from the White House, it disrupted months of careful planning for Xi’s state visit. US and Chinese officials were frustrated over the limited coverage of the summit, which was meant to showcase the two men together in front of a global audience. It’s just crazy to think that Trump’s personal feud with the press could cause so much tension.
The suspension of pooled TV coverage for the entirety of Xi’s first day at the White House caused consternation among the Chinese leader’s allies, who had hoped the trip would broadcast him widely as a peer of the president of the world’s most powerful nation. I guess you could say Trump’s move was a bit of a self-inflicted wound. The Chinese embassy even contacted several US television networks to discuss how the move would affect coverage of Xi’s visit. It’s just wild to see how much drama can unfold in the White House.
Now, I’m not one to take sides, but it seems like Trump’s got a bit of a thing for the cameras. He vented on his social media platform, saying the event was “magnificent — Actually made for Television” but that the “Fake News” media didn’t want to give him credit. I mean, come on, Trump, you can’t have it both ways! You either want the coverage or you don’t. It’s like he’s trying to have his cake and eat it too.
The episode was a perfect example of the wider repercussions of Trump’s personal feud with the press. It threatened to inject fresh tension into a diplomatic relationship with China that the administration has worked to keep stable ahead of November’s midterm elections. I guess you could say it’s a bit of a delicate dance, but Trump’s move was like stepping on his own toes.
After Trump barred CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House, the Chinese embassy contacted several US television networks to discuss how the move would affect coverage of Xi’s visit. Chinese foreign ministry adviser Wu Xinbo told CNN that it had been “regrettable” that more footage hadn’t made it to the American public. I mean, it’s not like Trump didn’t know what he was doing, right? He’s a master of the media, or so he thinks.
In the end, the TV pool resumed its coverage after CNN’s access to the White House was restored, allowing the broadcast networks to capture and widely distribute Trump and Xi’s tea meeting at the White House and subsequent visit to the National Archives. Trump even noted that he appreciated the coverage, saying it was “very fair.” I guess you could say it’s all about the optics, folks.
The two leaders made only limited remarks on Friday, but it was clear that the visit was all about the show. Trump had sought to use the visit largely as a showcase, granting Xi a rare tarmac greeting that included a cannon salute and an array of fighter jets. It was like a big production, folks, and Trump was the star of the show.
In conclusion, the whole ordeal was just a big mess, folks. Trump’s move to ban the news outlets was like shooting himself in the foot. But, hey, at least he got his moment in the spotlight, right? And let’s be real, who needs good press when you’ve got a fancy state dinner and a bunch of fighter jets? It’s all about the drama, folks, and Trump’s got it in spades. So, the next time you’re watching the news, just remember, it’s all about the show, baby! And Trump’s the star of the show, whether he likes it or not.
Armchair patriot. Believes in the free market, cold beer, and that there’s always a guy named George behind every CNN segment.
Former remote-throwing champion turned #1 couch commentator on liberal panic in the media. Born in Texas (or so his mug says), he earned a degree in Fake Newsology & Beer Philosophy from YouTube University.
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