Only one week until Donald Trump’s inauguration. A historic moment which promises to be talked about also for its “guest list”. Generally, foreign heads of state are not invited to inauguration ceremonies of United States presidents, which remain domestic events focused on the peaceful transfer of power; only diplomatic delegations, such as ambassadors, attend. But Donald Trump breaks – again – with this tradition by inviting several foreign leaders to his inauguration.
Controversial “guests”, notable absences… 20 Minutes reveals the list of guests on the steps of the US Capitol on January 20.
Who is invited?
- Giorgia Meloni (Italy), “a fantastic woman”
The Italian Prime Minister leads the far-right party, Brothers of Italy. Meloni joins Trump on several fronts: a strict approach to handling immigration and opposition to LGBTQ+ rights. Trump called her a “fantastic woman” and hosted her at Mar-a-Lago last week. “I would be happy to go,” she said at a press conference before adding that she still had to check her diary.
- Viktor Orbán (Hungary), one of its strongest allies in Europe
The Hungarian Prime Minister, also a Russophile, is one of Trump’s most loyal allies in Europe. Since returning to power in 2010, Orbán has been accused of eroding Hungarian democracy by weakening judicial independence and controlling the media. Trump praised Orbán for his nationalist vision and his control of immigration. Although his presence has not yet been confirmed, Orbán is “still under consideration”, according to close sources cited by USA Today.
- Javier Milei (Argentina), his “favorite president”
Elected president of Argentina in 2023, Javier Milei is a controversial figure of the Latin American far right. A former economist and television host, Milei has established himself as a outsider in politics thanks to his flamboyant style and his virulent speeches against the traditional political class.
Milei calls his political opponents “parasites” and accuses democratic institutions, such as Argentina’s Congress, of being a “rat’s nest.” He considers Donald Trump a source of inspiration. And in return, Trump called him his “favorite president.” Milei confirmed he will attend Trump’s inauguration.
- Nayib Bukele (El Salvador) known for his authoritarian governance
The Salvadoran president is famous for his authoritarian governance and controversial methods. Despite a constitutional ban, Bukele won a second term through contested electoral reforms. His regime is criticized for human rights violations, but he remains close to Trump and his allies. Although invited, Bukele has not yet confirmed his arrival.
- Jair Bolsonaro (Brazil), the “Trump of the Tropics”
The man nicknamed the “Trump of the Tropics” because of his populist style, his skepticism regarding climate change and his repeated attacks on the media and democratic institutions wants to join the festivities. After his 2022 electoral defeat to Lula (the current president of Brazil), Jair Bolsonaro was accused of orchestrating a coup attempt. Accusations which notably led to the confiscation of his passport.
The former Brazilian president, however, hopes to get it back to attend Trump’s inauguration, which he considers an event of historical importance. A trip which could mark his return to the international scene.
The absent… but invited
Extremely rare for a communist leader and geopolitical rival: Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, was invited. Trump has often expressed admiration for him, calling him a “king” who rules with an iron fist. Despite this step forward, Xi Jinping declined the invitation, and preferred to send an official delegation.
Those who are not invited
Even if not everyone has confirmed their presence, that’s a lot of people. So who wasn’t invited? At the top of the list is the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. Convalescing from pneumonia, von der Leyen would have been absent anyway. She also did not attend Biden’s inauguration four years ago. The European Commission clarified that it was seeking contact with the new American administration, but without involvement in this ceremony. Trump also did not invite the traditional leaders of allied countries, such as the United Kingdom, Canada or the leaders of the European Union.
Consult all our articles on Donald Trump
Donald Trump’s inauguration, usually a moment of national unity, ultimately promises to be a demonstration of his international vision. By inviting controversial leaders and sidelining traditional partners, Trump appears to want to assert himself as the leader of a global populist movement.
