President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. arrived in Washington, D.C. at 2:48 a.m. Philippine time on July 21, 2025, kicking off his official visit to the United States.
Marcos is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss key matters related to defense and security cooperation.
He will also hold separate meetings at the Pentagon with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
According to Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez, the bilateral talks will focus on strengthening agreements, particularly the Mutual Defense Treaty.
Romualdez said the leaders are expected to address the geopolitical situation in the West Philippine Sea as part of the strategic agenda.
President Marcos will also meet with top executives, including those from the semiconductor industry, which plays a critical role in U.S.-Philippine economic relations.
Discussions may cover the 20% tariff imposed on Philippine exports to the U.S., with hopes of achieving a mutually beneficial trade agreement.
Ambassador Romualdez clarified that Trump’s controversial immigration policy will not be part of the meeting agenda.
Currently, there are 3,772 Filipinos identified by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement with final orders for removal but have not been detained.