FACT CHECK: Did President Trump Drink Alcohol During His Visit To China?

There’s been a lot of pro-China propaganda floating around on X regarding President Trump’s recent visit to China.

One of the biggest disinformation campaigns was that President Trump drank alcohol during a state dinner hosted by China.

In case you haven’t seen the posts, here they are:

Trump has never had alcohol in his life.

China gave him a beverage to toast, and Trump drank it.

This is a very subtle, but STRONG statement on who’s really in charge. pic.twitter.com/U7Jgvv1DPZ

— Ethan Levins 🇺🇸 (@EthanLevins2) May 14, 2026

Trump, who does not drink because his older brother died of a drinking problem, takes a sip and toasts President Xi Jinping in a sign of respect pic.twitter.com/NiLl1n9keP

— Jon Michael Raasch (@JMRaasch) May 14, 2026

President Trump shared a formal toast with Xi Jinping at a Beijing state banquet, raising a glass despite abstaining from alcohol for decades since his brother’s death from alcoholism. pic.twitter.com/fNSFkJfeCB

— TaraBull (@TaraBull) May 15, 2026

Newsweek reported more on the viral moment:

A brief moment at Donald Trump’s high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping has sparked fresh attention after the U.S. leader was seen raising a glass and appearing to take a sip during a formal reception.

Footage from the event shows Trump holding a stemmed glass alongside Xi and other officials before bringing it to his lips. The moment stands out because the president has presented himself as a lifelong teetotaler—making even routine diplomatic gestures open to closer scrutiny.

The reception formed part of a tightly choreographed state visit, where symbolism and protocol carry as much weight as policy discussions. Toasts between leaders are a standard feature of such events, often designed to signal mutual respect and stability in the relationship, regardless of what is actually consumed.

Images from the banquet show multiple attendees holding similar glasses typically associated with wine or Champagne. At events of this nature, however, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are frequently served in identical glassware, allowing participants to take part in the ritual without necessarily drinking alcohol. There has been no confirmation of what Trump was served.

This is not the first time such moments have prompted questions. Throughout his presidency, Trump was repeatedly photographed raising Champagne flutes or wine glasses at international events, particularly during multilateral gatherings where toasts are expected.

President Trump has been very vocal that he doesn’t drink alcohol due to his brother Fred Trump dying from alcoholism, which makes it highly unlikely the liquid in his cup was alcohol.

One of Trump’s biggest supporters, Blake Marnell, who goes by the X handle Brick Suit, noted that Trump has offered a “faux-toast” on several occasions:

As usual @MAGAVoice is slop posting.

President Trump doesn't drink.

He did not drink any alcohol as a sign of respect. And he has often "faux-toasted" at other events.

This is nothing unusual. pic.twitter.com/NVdTQIBW8z

— Brick Suit (@Brick_Suit) May 14, 2026

Another video, posted, showed White House and Chinese officials drinking what appeared to be wine, but President Trump still had the same yellow liquid in his cup:

Notice how everyone else has wine besides Trump!

He doesn't drink or do drugs and never has.

This may sound silly, but that really does give you a major advantage.

I know because I don't either and have experienced the almost superhuman clarity of mind that comes from it! pic.twitter.com/uDpVIBYiDK

— Matt Wallace (@MattWallace888) May 14, 2026

The most logical explanation is that Trump had non-alcoholic champagne or juice in his cup.

Watch President Trump explain why he has never had a drink below: