Johnson's speech in Las Vegas was a great success. On that day, a high stage was set up in the square outside the Hardy Hotel, surrounded by a crowd of up to 20,000 people. To accommodate the speech, the casinos shut down for three hours.
The square was filled not only with locals from Las Vegas but also with many tourists. President Johnson delivered a passionate speech.
The day after the speech ended, President Johnson abruptly interrupted his trip and returned to Washington with his team. Upon arriving at the White House, Johnson immediately summoned U.S. Secretary of State Acheson and instructed the State Department to issue a public announcement. In light of the international situation, the U.S. would temporarily suspend all forms of aid to the Chinese government.
"Your Excellency, Mr. President, are you going to completely abandon China?" Acheson asked in surprise.