Trump Says He Wants JD Vance to Fear Him Like Xi’s Officials Fear Their Leader, Praising Authoritarian ‘Obedience’ in Speech

President Donald Trump spent part of a recent speech praising Chinese President Xi Jinping—not for policy or diplomacy, but for how terrified Xi’s subordinates appear to be around him. Trump then said he wants his own vice president, JD Vance, and members of his cabinet to show him the same level of fear.

Speaking at the American Business Forum in Miami on Wednesday, Trump began by boasting about imposing a 100% tariff on China. But his remarks quickly shifted into admiration for Xi’s grip on his inner circle.

Trump described watching Xi’s aides sit rigidly at a meeting, backs straight, eyes forward, speaking only when spoken to—and sometimes not even then. “Every one of those people, they were standing like this,” Trump said, demonstrating a stiff military-style posture.

He recalled addressing one of Xi’s deputies and getting no reaction at all. “Are you going to answer me?” Trump said he asked. “No response.” According to Trump, Xi didn’t appreciate the interaction either. “He didn’t let him have any,” Trump added, suggesting the subordinate was punished.

Then came the punchline.

“I said, I want my cabinet to behave like that,” Trump announced, pointing to staff in the crowd. “I want them sitting up like that, just nice and straight.”

Trump even turned to Vice President JD Vance, joking—or perhaps not—that Vance doesn’t show enough submission. “JD doesn’t behave like that! JD buds into conversations!” Trump said, before imitating a robotic, fearful tone: “‘I will answer all questions!’ Why don’t you behave like that?”

The comments landed awkwardly, especially as the U.S. continues to challenge China on global trade and influence. Trump has recently escalated the trade war, but new analysis shows China has adapted quickly, redirecting exports to dozens of other countries while sidestepping U.S. tariffs.

Trump’s admiration for Xi’s power structure also comes as Xi continues high-profile purges of top officials. This year alone, one of China’s highest-ranking generals was expelled from the Communist Party, while a leading diplomat vanished from public view and was quietly replaced.

In China, failing to show loyalty can cost a political official their career—or their freedom. Trump, meanwhile, appears to see Xi’s model as something to emulate, at least when it comes to commanding fear and obedience from his own team.

The White House did not provide immediate comment on Trump’s remarks.

Watch the video –

Trump: "I want my cabinet to behave like [Xi Jinping's staff]. I'm demanding that….I've never seen men so scared in their lives…JD doesn't behave like that. JD butts into conversations." pic.twitter.com/CKoxloczg4

— The Bulwark (@BulwarkOnline) November 5, 2025

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Joseph Johnson

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