GM CEO Mary Barra to attend Trump's state dinner for Xi, sources say

General Motors CEO Mary Barra is set to attend President Donald Trump's state dinner at the White House on Thursday, for Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to two sources familiar with the details. The event comes amid US automakers issuing warnings against permitting Chinese manufacturers into the domestic market, while Trump suggests he may be open to the possibility.

Barra will not be accompanied by Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa, who is currently abroad, as per two sources. Ford has not commented on whether CEO Jim Farley will be attending the dinner. The company recently faced criticism from US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy for its business dealings with Chinese entities. The White House has not yet provided a response to inquiries regarding the matter.

The US government has implemented a series of trade restrictions and policies aimed at preventing Chinese automakers from entering the market. Nevertheless, President Trump, as recently as this month, indicated his willingness to allow global auto manufacturers into the country, provided they employ US workers in their plants. In an interview on Fox News, Trump stated, "If China wanted to come in and open a plant to build their cars here, I’d be okay with that."

Major automakers, along with suppliers and dealers, have urged Trump to maintain a barrier against Chinese carmakers entering the US market. Barra is among several tech and industry leaders, including executives from Meta, Apple, Amazon, and Tesla, who will be present at the dinner.