Trump invites Xi Jinping to historic inauguration ceremony
The American television network CBS, citing its sources, reports that Donald Trump has invited Chinese leader Xi Jinping to his inauguration. Officials preparing for the ceremony are also working to invite other foreign dignitaries.
According to CBS, Trump extended the invitation to Xi at the beginning of November, shortly after the election. It is not yet known whether the Chinese leader has accepted the invitation. The spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington did not provide CBS with a comment on the matter.
Besides Xi, other leaders might also attend the Capitol on January 20, according to CBS. One possible attendee is Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who visited Trump this week at Mar-a-Lago. However, his presence is not confirmed as he is "still considering" whether to attend Trump's inauguration.
This hasn't happened since 1874
"World leaders are lining up to meet with President Trump because they know he will soon return to power and restore peace worldwide through American strength," stated Trump's spokesperson Karoline Leavitt.
If foreign leaders attend Trump's inauguration, it will be a historic event. Data from the State Department, dating back to 1874, shows that although ambassadors and other diplomats are typically invited to inaugurations, no foreign president or prime minister has ever attended the power transfer ceremony, CBS notes.
Source: CBS News
