World leaders flock to D.C. for Trump's unprecedented inauguration
State leaders, right-wing party and movement leaders, and high-ranking diplomats will come to Washington on January 20 for Donald Trump's inauguration. This will be the first such presidential inauguration in the history of the United States.
Although the guest list for Donald Trump's inauguration has not yet been finalized, it is already known that the ceremony will be different from previous ones.
Until now, the number of foreign dignitaries participating in this event has usually been limited to diplomats. This time, however, a wide range of foreign leaders may be present, from heads of state and government to party chairmen to foreign ministers. Former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki is expected to attend.
World leaders at Trump's inauguration
So far, Argentinian President Javier Milei has confirmed his participation, whom Trump calls his "favorite president," and the outgoing President of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili, still considers themselves the head of state. However, the guest list is much longer and includes several dozen leaders, many of whom have not ruled out attending.
Trump on inauguration guests: I like a little risk
Among the invited are leaders ideologically close to Trump. This includes, for example, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (who said she would try to attend the inauguration), Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, and Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele. However, the guest list includes not only friends.
In addition to current government representatives, many right-wing politicians who maintain good relations with the new American president will also fly to the USA. This group includes, among others, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who has been called the "Trump of the Tropics," and British far-right leader Nigel Farage. Former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, who heads the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) party, is also expected to attend.
Trump personally invited Chinese leader Xi Jinping, and although he will not come to Washington, China will send high-level officials.
As Trump's team explained, the new team's goal is to "create a dialogue with the leaders of countries that are not only allies of the USA but also opponents and rivals." Trump explained that breaking with tradition "may be risky," but he "likes to take a little risk."
Besides China, other important Asian countries—India and Japan—will be similarly represented at a high level, sending their heads of diplomacy.
According to the tabloid "New York Post," a significantly larger circle of foreign dignitaries is eagerly seeking invitations, hoping to have the opportunity to pursue their interests during the events and balls accompanying the inauguration. Among them are expected to be Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and leaders of smaller countries such as Chile, Peru, and Mozambique. However, efforts by most of these will not be successful.
A lobbyist representing foreign countries explained to the newspaper that they are upfront with clients, particularly those from smaller nations like Costa Rica, about their chances of attending such events. They emphasized that invitations are unlikely for countries that do not offer significant business opportunities or major corporations.
Ukrainian president without invitation
According to the newspaper, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is also in this group. When asked about an invitation for him, Trump said at a press conference in early January that none had been issued. However, he added that he "would be happy to welcome him" if the Ukrainian president wanted to come. Zelensky said in an American podcast that he would like to go to Washington but could only leave the country during the war on a personal invitation from Trump.
