Trump says Xi state dinner is ‘a very tough ticket’ as business guest list takes shape

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that he had turned away friends hoping to attend next week’s state dinner for Chinese President Xi Jinping, as reports emerged that executives from some of China’s biggest companies could join the visit.

“This is a very tough ticket for me,” Trump told reporters. “I’ve told a lot of very good friends of mine, you just can’t come.”

The president said the White House had room for “about 125 or so people”, although thousands would like to attend. He lamented that its planned ballroom was not yet open, saying it could have accommodated 2,000 guests.

First lady Melania Trump shared a video on Thursday showing details of the preparations, including the menu and flowers.