White House State Dinner: President Biden Welcomes Kenyan Leader William Ruto with Star-Studded Guest List

Washington D.C., District of Columbia United States of America
Celebrities like Brad Paisley, Don McLean, Aisha McShaw, Wilmer Valderrama, Sean Penn, LeVar Burton and the Howard Gospel Choir entertained guests
Event signaled Kenya's recognition on the world stage and provided opportunity for Biden to strengthen alliances with African leaders
Former President Barack Obama and Michelle made a surprise appearance
Jill Biden welcomed guests in a sapphire blue gown by Sergio Hudson
Menu included fruitwood-smoked beef short ribs, poached lobster, chilled heirloom tomato soup, and white chocolate basket
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver were in attendance
President Biden acknowledged America's respect for Kenya and commitment to building ties
White House hosted a state dinner for Kenyan President William Ruto on May 23, 2024
White House State Dinner: President Biden Welcomes Kenyan Leader William Ruto with Star-Studded Guest List

On the evening of May 23, 2024, the White House played host to a grand state dinner in honor of Kenyan President William Ruto and his wife Rachel. The event marked the first time an American president had welcomed an African leader for a state visit since February 2008. Among the notable guests were former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, who made a surprise appearance despite not being on the initial guest list.

Jill Biden, dressed in a bold sapphire blue gown by Sergio Hudson, welcomed her guests to the South Lawn of the White House where a transparent pavilion had been erected. The menu for the evening featured fruitwood-smoked beef short ribs, poached lobster, chilled heirloom tomato soup, and a white chocolate basket.

President Biden began his toast by acknowledging the strong respect America holds for Kenya. He recalled former President Jimmy Carter hosting Kenyan leaders for the first time in 1980 and praised Obama for being gracious enough to meet with Ruto earlier in the day. The United States, he said, values its relationship with Africa and is committed to building ties.

The evening was filled with star power as celebrities like Brad Paisley, Don McLean, Aisha McShaw, Wilmer Valderrama, Sean Penn, LeVar Burton and the Howard Gospel Choir entertained guests. The NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver were also in attendance.

The state dinner was a significant moment for Kenya as it signaled the country's recognition on the world stage. It also provided an opportunity for Biden to showcase his diplomatic skills and strengthen alliances with key players in Africa.

Despite the grandeur of the event, there were some notable absences. Former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton were not present, nor was former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms or Democratic New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker. However, Hunter Biden made an appearance with his wife Melissa Cohen Biden.

The evening ended on a high note as guests left the White House feeling inspired and hopeful for the future of US-Africa relations.



Confidence

91%

Doubts
  • Did Keisha Lance Bottoms or Cory Booker attend the event?
  • Was there a reason why former Presidents Clinton and Hillary Clinton were not present?

Sources

90%

  • Unique Points
    • Former President Barack Obama attended the state dinner for Kenya held by President Biden despite not being on the initial guest list.
  • Accuracy
    • ][Article.facts[0]] Former President Barack Obama attended the state dinner for Kenya held by President Biden despite not being on the initial guest list.
    • [OtherArticles[1].facts[1]] Former President Barack Obama made a surprise appearance at the event.
    • ][Article.facts[3]] Notable attendees included President William Ruto of Kenya and his family, James Mwangi, Melinda French Gates, elected officials from battleground states, influential Black political operatives and powerful philanthropists.
    • [OtherArticles[1].facts[6]] The invitation list included celebrities, politicians, and allies of the president such as Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton.
    • ][Article.facts[5]] Biden’s guest list also included several Biden family members such as granddaughters and son Hunter who is scheduled to stand trial on gun charges next month.
    • [OtherArticles[1].facts[7]] Hollywood figures like Wilmer Valderrama, Sean Penn, and LeVar Burton attended the dinner along with sports commissioners Roger Goodell and Adam Silver.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (95%)
    The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy when President Biden quotes President Jimmy Carter during his toast. However, this is a minor fallacy and does not significantly impact the overall quality of the article.
    • “We share a strong respect for the history that connects us together,” Mr. Biden said to his guests during a toast. He quoted from a speech given by President Jimmy Carter, who honored Kenya with a state dinner in 1980: “Neighbors do not share a border but share beliefs.”
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

96%

  • Unique Points
    • President Joe Biden and first lady Dr. Jill Biden hosted Kenyan President William Ruto and first lady Rachel Ruto at the White House state dinner.
    • Former President Barack Obama made a surprise appearance at the event.
    • During his toast at the state dinner Biden praised Obama for being very gracious and meeting with Ruto earlier in the day.
    • The United States has a strong respect for Kenya as Biden recalled former President Jimmy Carter hosting Kenyan leaders for the first time.
    • Hollywood figures like Wilmer Valderrama, Sean Penn, and LeVar Burton attended the dinner along with sports commissioners Roger Goodell and Adam Silver.
    • NBA Africa has a subsidiary in Kenya that was opened in November 2023, while the NFL hosted a talent identification camp in Kenya last year to expand its NFL Africa program.
    • Entertainment at the event included performances by country star Brad Paisley and the Howard Gospel Choir.
    • This marks the first time an American president has hosted an African leader for a state visit since February 2008 when President George W. Bush hosted the president of Ghana.
    • This is the sixth state dinner Biden has hosted since he became president.
  • Accuracy
    • Former President Barack Obama made a surprise appearance at the event.
    • The invitation list included celebrities, politicians, and allies of the president such as Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton.
    • During his toast at the state dinner Biden praised Obama for being very gracious and meeting with Ruto earlier in the day.
    • Notable absence at the state dinner: Former US President Barack Obama.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (90%)
    The article contains a few instances of inflammatory rhetoric and appeals to authority. It uses sensational language such as 'bright light at the White House tonight' and 'many members of the African diaspora' which is an exaggeration. Additionally, there are several appeals to authority in the form of quoting prominent figures like former presidents, politicians, and celebrities. However, no formal fallacies were found.
    • bright light at the White House tonight
    • many members of the African diaspora
    • former President Barack Obama making a brief, surprise appearance.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

100%

  • Unique Points
    • Jill Biden wore a sapphire blue gown by Sergio Hudson to the state dinner for Kenya on Thursday night.
    • The color of Jill Biden’s gown was not neutral, but a bold sapphire blue.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

98%

  • Unique Points
    • The White House state dinner on May 23, 2024 honored Kenyan President William Ruto and his wife Rachel.
    • Around 500 guests attended the event, including celebrities like Brad Paisley, Don McLean, and Aisha McShaw.
    • The menu featured fruitwood-smoked beef short ribs, poached lobster, chilled heirloom tomato soup, and a white chocolate basket.
    • This marks the first White House state dinner for an African nation since 2008 and was part of the administration’s efforts to build ties with Africa.
    • President Joe Biden joked about former President Barack Obama’s brief appearance at the event, saying he left after claiming he would visit Africa in February after his re-election.
    • Kenya last had a White House state dinner in 2003. No African nation has had one since President George W. Bush honored Ghana’s President John Kufuor in 2008.
  • Accuracy
    • Former President Barack Obama attended the state dinner for Kenya held by President Biden despite not being on the initial guest list.
    • Notable attendees included several Biden family members such as granddaughters and son Hunter who is scheduled to stand trial on gun charges next month.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

95%

  • Unique Points
    • Notable absence of Former President Barack Obama at the state dinner despite living near the White House.
    • Kenyan president William Ruto attended a state dinner at the White House hosted by President Biden.
  • Accuracy
    • Former President Barack Obama attended the state dinner or did not attend the state dinner.
    • Kenyan president William Ruto attended the state dinner without former President Barack Obama or with former President Barack Obama in attendance.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication