The NPR Politics Podcast Trade Deals, Red Carpets And A Gold Crown: Takeaways From Trump’s Asia Trip
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Nov 3, 2025 President Trump's Asia trip featured a lavish red-carpet welcome and personalized events. Key takeaways from his meeting with Xi Jinping included discussions on tariffs and commitments to curb fentanyl exports. Japan and South Korea made substantial investment pledges, showcasing Trump's dealmaking emphasis. Meanwhile, the government shutdown received little attention from Trump while he focused on military ties and peacemaking, despite spending over two weeks away from negotiating duties. The trip highlighted a shift in how countries accommodate Trump's style of diplomacy.
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Spectacular Malaysian Welcome
- Malaysia greeted Trump with a giant red carpet, dancers, military guards and both Malaysian and American flags on the tarmac.
- Deepa Shivaram described the welcome as warm, colorful, and clearly tailored to the president's preferences.
Events Tailored To The President
- The trip felt custom-built for Trump, down to American menus like hamburgers and Thousand Island dressing at international summits.
- Deepa Shivaram said these granular choices signaled extensive catering to the president's tastes and image.
Trump-Xi Truce, Not A Final Deal
- Trump and Xi reached temporary agreements: China eased rare-earth export limits, pledged more soybean purchases, and the U.S. cut some tariffs.
- Deepa Shivaram framed the meeting as buying time and setting up a return summit in Beijing next April.