President Joe Biden is set to welcome Kenya President William Ruto for a state visit this week, with a grand state dinner scheduled to take place at the White House on Thursday. This marks the sixth state visit of the Biden administration, following a similar event in December 2022 when French President Emmanuel Macron made a visit, reviving a tradition that had been paused due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
State visits typically involve a series of formal ceremonies, meetings, and a lavish dinner. The concept of state dinners dates back to 1874, when Ulysses S. Grant hosted King Kalākaua of Hawaii for a grand dinner featuring multiple courses and elaborate table settings.
Originally, these state dinners were an opportunity for presidents and first ladies to demonstrate their hosting abilities. However, as the United States gained prominence as a global power, the importance of these events grew, as they provided a valuable opportunity for world leaders to engage with the U.S. president.
