MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. will stay at the historic Blair House during his official working visit to Washington, D.C. on 20 – 22 July 2025, DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro revealed on Monday.
In a media briefing in Pasay City, Lazaro said that President Marcos was invited by U.S. President Donald Trump later this month and will be staying at the famous residence during his first-ever meeting with the U.S. leader.
"Just wanted to say that it is President Trump who invited President Marcos to this meeting and probably the first, if I am correct, the first among the ASEAN leaders who have been invited by the president to the White House,” Lazaro told reporters.
“It is an official visit, but he will be staying in the presidential guest house, the Blair House, so that means something," Lazaro added.
Also known as the President’s Guest House, it became the residence of visiting dignitaries and world leaders, with 119 rooms and a floor area of 70,000 square feet, according to its official website.
“An invitation from the President of the United States to occupy this historic residence is an honor of the highest significance,” the Blaire House website stated.
“When visiting leaders reside here, the flags of their nations fly proudly over Blair House, a courtesy that serves as both a gracious welcome and a symbol of the home’s crucial role in diplomatic relations,” the website added.
Blair House has hosted notable personalities and world leaders, such as Nelson Mandela, Queen Elizabeth II, Russian leader Vladimir Putin, and former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., with then First Lady Imelda Marcos, who stayed at the residence on September 13-16, 1966.
(Image courtesy of Blair House official website)
In a separate interview, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said Marcos' official working visit was relayed to the Philippine Embassy in Washington with the invitation for him to stay at Blair House.
Details regarding the summit between Marcos and Trump is still being finalized, but Lazaro mentioned that issues on security and defense, as well as economic cooperation and tariffs will “most likely” be on the agenda.
