Trump Drops Bizarre Fact About Chinese Restaurants in America During Beijing State Banquet: ‘That’s a Pretty Big Statement’

Joseph KonigThu, May 14, 2026 at 4:27 PM UTC

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President Donald Trump in Beijing on May 14. Chinese food.
Credit: Kenny HOLSTON / POOL / AFP via Getty; Getty -

President Donald Trump delivered remarks at a Beijing state dinner alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping on May 14

He emphasized the ubiquitous presence of Chinese takeout restaurants in the U.S.

Trump, Xi and the other attendees dined on lobster in tomato soup, crispy beef ribs, Beijing roast duck, stewed seasonal vegetables and more

President Donald Trump celebrated the ties between the United States and China in remarks delivered at a Beijing state dinner alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday, May 14 — and he made sure to emphasize the ubiquitous presence of Chinese takeout restaurants in the U.S.

“As allies in World War II President Franklin Roosevelt’s mentions of the brave people of China, that’s what they were, drew loud cheers in his speeches in the United States, everybody loved what he had to say,” Trump said.

He then added, “Just as many Chinese now love basketball and blue jeans, Chinese restaurants in America today outnumber the five largest fast food chains in the United States, all combined.”

“That's a pretty big statement,” Trump remarked.

Trump has long been a regular consumer of fast food, particularly McDonald’s. But the latest data suggests that while the number of Chinese restaurants is close to the number of locations of the five largest fast food chains, it does not quite surpass the combined total.

There were roughly 37,000 Chinese food locations in the U.S. as of March 2023, according to the Pew Research Center. Other organizations frequently cite a total of 45,000, sourcing that claim to the now-defunct Chinese American Restaurant Association.

President Donald Trump makes a toast as he attends a state banquet with China's President Xi Jinping on May 14.
Credit: Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty

The top five fast food chains in the U.S. — Subway, Starbucks, McDonald’s, Dunkin Donuts and Taco Bell — had north of 67,000 units combined in 2025, according to QSR magazine, a trade publication that sources data directly from the companies.

Still, there are more Chinese food restaurants in the U.S. than any single fast food brand, and more than the top two — if not the top three — combined.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for more details on the statistic cited by the president.

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While the Chinese takeout cuisine Americans are accustomed to is immensely popular stateside, more traditional and international dishes were served at Thursday’s lavish banquet with Chinese leaders, senior U.S. Cabinet officials and a slew of American billionaires. Attendees included Elon Musk, outgoing Apple CEO Tim Cook, and Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon.

President Donald Trump talks with China's President Xi Jinping on May 14 in Beijing.
Credit: Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty

After hors d’oeuvres, Trump, Xi and the other attendees dined on lobster in tomato soup, crispy beef ribs, Beijing roast duck, stewed seasonal vegetables, slow-cooked salmon in mustard sauce, pan-fried pork bun, trumpet shell-shaped pastry, tiramisu, fruit and ice cream, according to the White House.

While Trump has gilded many of his properties inside and out, including the Oval Office, he also has a long-established love for other gold things too, namely the golden arches.

During the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump made headlines by working a McDonald’s drive through in Pennsylvania.

And in April of this year, the White House staged a photo op of Trump receiving a McDonald’s delivery order through DoorDash to promote his no tax on tips policy.

Donald Trump works behind the counter during a campaign event at McDonald's restaurant on Oct. 20 in Pennsylvania.
Credit: Doug Mills-Pool/Getty

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“Who knows what the best foods are? Maybe— maybe junk food is good and the other food is no good,” Trump said on Monday, May 11, during an Oval Office event on maternal health. “I know many, many people that all they do is watch their weight, their this, their that, and they kick the bucket and here we are. I feel great.”

During his remarks at the banquet, Trump lavished praise on his Chinese hosts for a “magnificent welcome” and invited Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, to visit the White House on Sept. 24.

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Source: “AOL Breaking”