Arabella Kushner, the 15-year-old daughter of Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, made her White House state dinner debut on Thursday, September 24, 2026, catching attendees’ attention by greeting Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, in Mandarin.
Mandarin Greeting Surprises Xi Jinping at State Arrival
During the official arrival ceremony, Arabella welcomed President Xi and Peng Liyuan using a simple phrase in Mandarin translating to “Welcome to America,” according to documented accounts of the event. Xi and Peng appeared both surprised and pleased by the gesture. Arabella has studied the language since she was three years old, building a foundation that allowed her to converse directly with the visiting leaders.
Did you know? Arabella Kushner began her language education at just three years old, allowing her more than a decade of practice before delivering her welcoming remarks to President Xi Jinping at the White House.
Fashion Choices at the East Room State Banquet
Following the welcoming ceremony, Arabella attended the formal state banquet held in the East Room of the White House alongside her mother, Ivanka Trump. For the daytime events, Arabella wore a classic ivory dress designed by Self-Portrait. Ivanka Trump chose a light blue pantsuit created by Chinese designer Guo Pei.
For the evening portion of the state dinner, Arabella transitioned into a long black gown featuring thin straps and a low neckline, styled with an updo and face-framing strands. Ivanka Trump similarly changed outfits, opting for a strapless evening gown designed by Lebanese designer Georges Hobeika.
Guest List and Political Figures Present
The teenager stood alongside President Xi Jinping, Vice President JD Vance, and Usha Vance during the formal proceedings. Arabella’s name also appeared officially on the guest list for the banquet, which drew numerous prominent political figures and business leaders to the White House.
Pro Tip: When covering high-profile diplomatic events, tracking both the official guest lists and the cultural exchange moments—such as language milestones—provides a complete picture of modern statecraft and international relations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Arabella Kushner?
Arabella Kushner is the 15-year-old eldest daughter of Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner.
Why did Arabella Kushner’s appearance attract attention?
She caught attendees’ attention by greeting Chinese President Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan in Mandarin during her White House state dinner debut.
How long has Arabella studied Mandarin?
She has studied the language since she was three years old.
What designers were worn by Arabella and Ivanka Trump?
Arabella wore a Self-Portrait ivory dress and a black evening gown, while Ivanka wore a light blue pantsuit by Guo Pei and a strapless evening gown by Georges Hobeika.
Join the Conversation
What are your thoughts on youth diplomacy and language learning? Share your comments below, explore our related articles on international relations, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates.
Related reading