Washington, DC – As the United States prepares for the second inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, the event is poised to break away from tradition in dramatic fashion. Trump’s return to the White House will not only feature the usual pomp and pageantry but will also see a lineup of international guests rarely, if ever, seen at such occasions in US history.
This time, the spotlight isn’t solely on the Capitol steps or the ceremonial swearing-in—it’s also on the foreign leaders and far-right allies sharing the stage. Invitations extended to global figures, both controversial and conventional, are reshaping the narrative of a typically domestic affair into a high-profile international spectacle.
A Departure from Tradition
US presidential inaugurations have historically been events for the American people, marked by the presence of former presidents, lawmakers, and notable public figures. Foreign leaders, when represented, are typically confined to ambassadors or ministers. But Trump has upended that precedent by inviting heads of state and even leaders of far-right political movements to join in the festivities.
The daylong celebration will include an inaugural address, a parade down Pennsylvania Avenue, and glitzy evening balls. Yet, what’s capturing the world’s attention is the guest list—a carefully curated collection of Trump’s ideological allies and select rivals.
Who’s Attending?
From populists to presidents, the guest list reads like a who’s who of the international right:
- Argentina’s President Javier Milei: A far-right firebrand, Milei has enthusiastically accepted the invitation. Trump, who has praised Milei as a leader who can “make Argentina great again,” recently hosted him at Mar-a-Lago.
- China’s Vice President Han Zheng: Although President Xi Jinping declined the invitation amid ongoing trade tensions, Han Zheng’s attendance is being touted as a diplomatic olive branch.
- Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni: Known for her staunch nationalism, Meloni is expected to attend, contingent on her schedule.
- India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar: Representing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jaishankar’s presence underscores the “bromance” between the two leaders. Modi was among the first to congratulate Trump on his victory.
- Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa: Noboa, who has described Trump’s win as a boost for Latin America, will temporarily pause his re-election campaign to attend.
- El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele: Though not yet confirmed, Bukele’s close ties with Trump Jr. suggest his likely participation.
- Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro: Dubbed the “Trump of the Tropics,” Bolsonaro cannot attend due to legal restrictions but remains a symbolic figure on the guest list.
Other notable figures include Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban and former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, both representing the European far-right.
Who’s Snubbed?
The guest list’s inclusivity stops short of centrist and progressive leaders. Major allies like the UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and France’s President Emmanuel Macron are conspicuously absent. In their place, Trump has invited far-right figures such as:
- Nigel Farage, UK’s Reform Party leader.
- Alice Weidel, co-leader of Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
- Eric Zemmour, a French far-right politician.
While these invitations reflect Trump’s ideological leanings, they have drawn criticism for sidelining key US allies. NATO leaders and European Union officials, including Ursula von der Leyen, have also been excluded.
A Global Trend?
While Trump’s guest list is unprecedented in the US, similar practices are emerging elsewhere. Leaders like India’s Narendra Modi and Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan have turned their swearing-in ceremonies into grand international gatherings.
In 2023, Erdogan’s third inauguration in Turkey hosted 34 world leaders, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Modi’s 2024 inauguration, meanwhile, included 9,000 guests, among them leaders from neighboring Indian Ocean nations.
Why It Matters
Trump’s approach reflects a shift in how inaugurations are used as tools of diplomacy and ideological alignment. Critics argue that inviting far-right figures risks alienating traditional allies, while supporters see it as a bold assertion of Trump’s global influence.
As the stage is set for Monday’s ceremony, all eyes will be on Washington. For Trump, this event is more than an inauguration—it’s a coronation of his ideological vision, played out on an international stage.