Senate Republican suggests Trump should take Xi to Panda Express

Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) said Thursday he would like to see President Trump take Chinese President Xi Jinping to Panda Express during Xi’s state visit to Washington. Lee framed the idea as a possible offhand suggestion Trump might make during the visit. Lee said he would not be surprised if Trump at some point told Xi, “President Xi, let’s go visit Panda Express and see what you think…,” using the familiar fast-casual chain as an example of a casual stop that could occur amid formal diplomatic events. The comment was offered in a conversational tone rather than as a formal policy proposal. The remark links a cultural, everyday dining choice to the optics of a high-level diplomatic engagement, underscoring how public figures sometimes use lighthearted or symbolic gestures in discussions about state visits. Lee’s comment drew attention for its informal suggestion during what is typically a highly scripted and ceremonial encounter. No additional details about any planned informal stops or responses from the White House, the Chinese delegation, or Panda Express were provided in the remarks as reported.