Vice President JD Vance appeared to be particularly excited as Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived at the White House, and a lip-reading expert has offered an analysis of some of the conversations taking place around him.
Nicola Hickling examined exchanges involving Vance, his wife Usha Vance, and Ivanka Trump as the group stood together during Xi’s arrival.
According to Hickling, Vance and Usha appeared to be having a playful exchange about the occasion.
“I’m so excited,” Vance allegedly said, according to The Irish Star.
Hickling said Usha then responded: “You are like a kid who has found their favorite toy.”
Vance’s response after that was brief but enthusiastic: “yay.”
JD Vance and Ivanka Trump
The vice president was also seen speaking with Ivanka Trump, and Hickling interpreted the conversation as an apparent expression of pride in Donald Trump’s role in the event.
“He’s having his moment. So proud of how far it’s all come. How crazy is that?” Vance said, according to the lip reader.
Ivanka appeared to respond with a reminder to let the president enjoy the spotlight.
“Aww, don’t say that. Let him shine,” she said, before adding, “We’re outta the woods now. It’s so funny.”
The conversations took place as Xi arrived in Washington for the second day of a three-day state visit. The Chinese president was accompanied by his wife, Madame Peng Liyuan, as he met with President Donald Trump at the White House.
Trade, artificial intelligence and the broader relationship between the United States and China were among the subjects expected to feature in discussions between the two leaders. Both presidents also spoke from the White House about their shared goal of improving diplomatic relations.