Victor Ezeja
The United States President-elect, Donald Trump, has extended invitations to a couple of world leaders to attend his inauguration on Monday, January 20. Trump, who defeated his rival Democratic Party candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris, in the November 2024 election, will be sworn in for a second term as the 47th president of the United States.
By extending invitations to foreign leaders, Trump broke the tradition that usually made the U.S. presidential inauguration a domestic affair. Foreign diplomats usually attend as a courtesy, but heads of state and governments aren’t included.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe 78-year-old Republican and his Vice President-elect, JD Vance, will take the oath of office at the U.S. Capitol in Washington in an elaborate ceremony marking the beginning of a new administration.
According to Reuters, an estimated 500,000 guests are expected to attend.
While some of the invited world leaders declined to attend, others indicated they will be present.
World leaders invited to the inauguration
Chinese President Xi Jinping: Trump invited Xi Jinping to the ceremony since December, but there are indications that he will not attend. However, his Vice, Han Zheng, will be present.
Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban: Orban, who is a close ally of Trump, got the invitation, but according to a local media report, he will not make it due to a scheduled state address. Orban had before Trump’s election victory expressed believe that he will end Russia-Ukraine war.
Argentina’s President Javier Milei: Milei, who also got the invitation, has confirmed his attendance. He visited Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida in December.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Modi also got the invitation but will be represented by his Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. The Indian PM was among the first world leaders to call and congratulate Trump. They have been friends since Trump’s first tenure as president.
READ ALSO: Why Trump’s Inauguration Will Hold Indoors, First Time In 40 Years
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni: Meloni, who visited Mar-a-Lago in January, says she is likely to attend if her schedule permits.
Former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawieck: Morawieck has confirmed attendance. He recently became leader of the right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists party in the European Union parliament.
Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa: Noboa has confirmed his attendance of Trump’s inauguration.
Ex-Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro: Bolsonaro, a far-right politician was invited, but will not attend because he is banned from travelling. Brazil’s Supreme Court seized Bolsonaro’s passport in the wake of several investigations, including purported attempts to reverse the results of the general election that he lost in 2022.
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele: Trump also extended invitation to El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, but he is yet to confirm his attendance.
Those Not Invited
Some of the foreign leaders not invited include: the United Kingdom Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
