United States President Donald Trump will visit Manila in November to attend the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, the Philippine government has confirmed. The visit will mark his first trip to the Philippines since November 2017, when he attended the regional gathering during his first presidential term.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed Trump’s attendance during a media briefing on 14 October, although she said further details of the visit had yet to be provided.
“It is confirmed, but the details will not come from me,” Castro said, according to reports by Philstar.com and ABS-CBN News.
The announcement comes as the Philippines prepares to host ASEAN leaders and representatives from partner countries for the annual summit, which provides a platform for regional dialogue and cooperation.
Trump’s Visit to Coincide with the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship
The Philippines will host the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits from 16 to 18 November 2026, with the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City serving as the main venue.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had invited Trump to attend the ASEAN meetings during his visit to the White House in July 2025.
“I look forward to hosting President Trump next year to attend the ASEAN meetings,” Marcos said in his arrival statement following the trip, as reported by Philstar.com.
Trump’s attendance will bring the US president to Manila as the Philippines holds the ASEAN chairmanship for 2026. The summit is expected to bring together regional leaders and representatives of dialogue partners to discuss shared priorities and regional concerns.
However, the Philippine government has not yet released the full details of Trump’s itinerary or the arrangements surrounding his participation. Castro confirmed the visit but indicated that further information would be provided when available.
The Metro Manila authorities are also preparing for the gathering. Marcos has declared 16 to 18 November special non-working days in the National Capital Region, with the measure intended to help manage anticipated traffic and security requirements during the summit.
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Return to the Philippines After Nine Years
Trump last visited the Philippines from 12 to 14 November 2017, when Manila hosted the 31st ASEAN Summit during his first term as US president. His visit included participation in ASEAN-related meetings and discussions with then Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte and other regional leaders.
The upcoming trip will take place during Trump’s second presidential term and comes amid continued engagement between Washington and Manila on bilateral relations, defence cooperation and trade.
Marcos and Trump last met in person at the White House on 22 July 2025, where they discussed bilateral relations, defence cooperation and trade, according to the Philippine Presidential Communications Office. The two leaders also held a telephone conversation on 23 July 2026, discussing economic developments and regional security concerns, including the South China Sea.
Following the Manila summit, Trump is expected to travel to Shenzhen, China, to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, scheduled for 17 to 19 November.
The timing places the ASEAN and APEC gatherings within the same period, bringing international attention to regional economic cooperation, diplomacy and security issues across the Asia-Pacific.
Further details of Trump’s schedule in the Philippines, including any bilateral meetings with Marcos, have not yet been announced.
