The Department of Foreign Affairs, (DFA) has confirmed that United States President Donald J. Trump will attend the ASEAN-U.S. Special Summit in Manila on Nov. 17.
The DFA confirmed Trump’s participation as Manila prepares to host the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, which will bring together Southeast Asian leaders and key dialogue partners. Trump’s appearance will mark his first visit to the Philippines since 2017, when he also attended an ASEAN gathering in Manila during his first presidential term.
President Bongbong Marcos had invited Trump to return to the Philippines during their meeting in Washington in July 2025.
“I look forward to hosting President Trump next year to attend the ASEAN meetings,” Marcos said after that visit.
Trump’s attendance comes as the Philippines chairs ASEAN in 2026 and takes the lead in discussions involving regional security, trade, economic cooperation and relations with major powers.
The ASEAN-US meeting is expected to give Southeast Asian leaders another opportunity to engage Washington directly on issues affecting the region. The United States has maintained deep economic, defense and diplomatic ties with ASEAN members, including the Philippines, one of its oldest treaty allies in Asia.
Trump’s return also comes at a time of heightened attention on security in the South China Sea. Marcos and Trump have previously discussed regional security, defense cooperation and economic relations, including during their White House meeting and a subsequent phone conversation.
The wider ASEAN gathering will also include leaders and representatives from major dialogue partners, while the bloc reviews its priorities under the Philippines’ chairship and discusses peace, stability and security across the region.
Trump is expected to travel to China after his Manila engagement for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings in Shenzhen, making the Philippines a key stop in his latest round of high-level meetings in Asia.
