Billions at the Banquet

WASHINGTON — The sea bass had impressive company.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, to the White House on Thursday, September 24, for a state dinner where the guest list could have doubled as a directory of the global technology industry. Money, apparently, remains wonderfully fluent in every language.

Among the names on the list: Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, Jensen Huang, Lisa Su, Sundar Pichai, Michael Dell and Sam Altman. Apple executive chairman Tim Cook and Microsoft chief Satya Nadella added further computing power. Su’s husband, Daniel Lin, and Huang’s wife, Lori, were also listed. It was quite a gathering for anyone whose opening question might ordinarily be, “So, what do you do?”

Forbes estimated the combined personal wealth of the tech moguls attending or expected to attend at more than $2.4 trillion. That is separate from the much larger value of their companies. Either way, “a rich evening” scarcely covered it.

Melania Trump oversaw preparations for an East Room dressed in red linens, with dahlias, ranunculus and pieces from the White House’s vermeil collection. Reagan-era state china completed the setting. Even the plates had presidential credentials.

The menu began with yellow squash velouté accompanied by mushrooms, crispy pancetta and scallion oil. Sesame-crusted sea bass followed, with baby bok choy, roasted eggplant and herb sauce. Dessert brought vanilla crémeux, sour cherry confit, walnut frangipane and ice cream made with White House honey. A promising basis for international agreement, particularly among dessert enthusiasts.

There were fashion statements, too. Peng wore a red gown; Melania chose a white blouse with black brocade trousers and a cummerbund. Huang exchanged his familiar leather jacket for a tuxedo, while Altman signed autographs on arrival. Silicon Valley had dressed for dinner.

The announced entertainment featured tenor Christopher Macchio and military musicians. For once, the evening’s soundtrack would come from people rather than a product demonstration.

Trump supplied an additional attraction, inviting guests to inspect his ballroom construction project after the entertainment. Most hosts offer coffee after dinner. This one offered a building site.

The world’s troubles, of course, had not disappeared beneath the tablecloths. Nor could a handsome dinner guarantee harmony. But there was something hopeful about competitors sharing a meal and an evening of hospitality.

Money may command attention. Getting everyone to sit down together still takes a host—and, evidently, very good sea bass.