Did Trump Almost Gag on His Champagne? DJT Sets Aside His Personal Alcohol Abstinence Rule to Toast Xi Jinping
President Donald Trump made a rare and highly symbolic gesture during a state banquet in Beijing, appearing to briefly sip from a champagne glass while toasting Chinese President Xi Jinping during a summit focused on easing tensions between the United States and China.
The moment quickly drew global attention because Trump has long been known for his strict personal abstinence from alcohol, a decision shaped by the tragic death of his older brother, Fred Trump Jr., whose life was devastated by alcoholism.
The toast took place during a lavish welcoming banquet held on 14 May as part of a short summit between the two powerful world leaders. The talks are expected to focus heavily on trade disputes, Taiwan, military tensions in the Indo-Pacific, and broader efforts to stabilise relations between Washington and Beijing after years of economic and political friction.
According to reports and video footage from the event, Trump raised his glass toward Xi and appeared to take a small sip while offering warm remarks to the Chinese leader. Trump told Xi it was an ‘honour to be your friend,’ while observers noted the cordial tone between the two presidents throughout the evening.
Why Trump Refuses to Drink Alcohol
Trump’s apparent willingness to participate in the ceremonial toast stood out because he has repeatedly spoken publicly about never drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes. He did take a sip to toast Xi but appeared to have had a split second involuntary reaction as he took a sip of his champagne.