The Huffington Post
China's President Xi Jinping (R) and US President Donald Trump visit the Temple of Heaven on May 14, 2026 in Beijing, China Donald Trump’s past eyebrow-raising praise of Chinese President Xi Jinping has resurfaced as the US president attends a two-day summit in Beijing. Footage from Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign has been circulating on social media, showing him speaking admiringly about Xi and his power over the one-party state that is frequently criticised over human rights abuses. “He controls 1.4 billion people with an iron fist,” Trump said at one event. “They want me to say he’s just of average intelligence, OK,” he continued. “But the look, the whole thing — he stands in front of a million soldiers, they walk by, and they want me to say bad things. I can’t say bad things.” Trump praises Xi Jinping: He’s brilliant. He controls 1.4 billion people with an iron first. I can’t say bad things about him pic.twitter.com/eKur8qEqsO — Headquarters (@HQNewsNow) May 14, 2026 Trump made similar remarks about Xi’s control on Joe Rogan’s podcast, where he also described his counterpart as “a brilliant guy.” During the Beijing summit, Trump struck a similarly warm tone in his face-to-face remarks, telling Xi: “You are a great leader.” “It’s an honour to be with you,” he added. “It’s an honour to be your friend, and the relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before.” On social media, critics called out his previous fawning over Xi: “Control” is what sticks out most. Because that’s what he wants. He wants to control this country, not lead it. — RJ Riley (@RJR1225) May 14, 2026 He is a disgrace — Laurel (@lavalleygirly) May 14, 2026 Find someone who fawns over you the way Trump fawns over dictators — Johnny Barner ?? (@jrptigers) May 14, 2026 OMG!! What an embarrassment — The Mighty Fetta (@MightyFetta) May 14, 2026 Trump wishes he had that sort of control — Lincoln Kupchak (@LincolnKupchak) May 14, 2026 Probably the most un-American statement uttered by a United States President! — mamma says! (@mammasaysstuff) May 14, 2026 I dont admire "iron fists." — Shake Djibouti (@rawanalog) May 14, 2026 Subscribe to Commons People , the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster. Related... Rubio Reveals Trump's New Goal For Iran War: Getting Everything 'Back To The Way It Was' Rod Stewart Congratulates King Charles For Putting 'Ratbag' Donald Trump In His Place Trump Calls Obama The 'Greatest Sucker Of Them All' In Iran Rant
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