Trump’s Inauguration to Feature Foreign Leaders for the First Time in U.S. History

For the first time, a U.S. president-elect will welcome foreign leaders to the inauguration, marking a historic moment in the peaceful transfer of power. President-elect Donald Trump has invited leaders from around the world, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Argentine President Javier Milei, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

While Xi is sending Vice President Han Zheng as his representative, Milei and Meloni will attend the swearing-in ceremony and other official events.

China

Xi Jinping was the first foreign leader invited, but he declined to attend, sending Vice President Han Zheng instead. The move comes amid rising U.S.-China tensions, with Trump’s Cabinet selections, including Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio, signaling a hardline approach.

Despite the rivalry, Trump and Xi held a “very good” phone call Friday, discussing trade, fentanyl, and TikTok.

Argentina

President Javier Milei, known for his radical economic reforms in Argentina, was the first foreign leader to meet with Trump after the election. He will attend the inauguration and Liberty Ball.

Milei’s efforts to reduce government spending and secure an IMF deal have earned praise from Trump insiders, including Vivek Ramaswamy, and billionaire Elon Musk. Ramaswamy and Musk plan to lead efforts to cut U.S. federal spending and regulations.

Italy

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, another guest, has visited Trump at Mar-a-Lago and is expected to strengthen U.S.-European relations. While maintaining cordial ties with President Biden, Meloni is seen as a natural ally to Trump.

Georgia

Former Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, invited by Representative Joe Wilson, will attend. She has criticized her country’s current administration for alleged authoritarianism and pro-Russian tendencies. Zourabichvili emphasized Georgia’s strategic importance to U.S. foreign policy in the region.

France

Although French President Emmanuel Macron will not attend, far-right figures like Eric Zemmour and Marion Maréchal will represent France. Zemmour, controversial for his inflammatory rhetoric, and Maréchal, a European Parliament member eyeing the 2027 French presidential race, both praised Trump’s leadership.

Other Leaders

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa and Paraguayan President Santiago Peña have confirmed their attendance. Peña expressed hope for stronger U.S.-Latin America ties, emphasizing shared conservative values. Taiwan is sending legislative speaker Han Kuo-yu and a delegation to meet with American officials and strengthen U.S.-Taiwan relations.

However, the group will skip the swearing-in ceremony after it was moved indoors due to cold weather.

The presence of foreign leaders at Trump’s inauguration reflects his administration’s effort to strengthen international relationships aligned with his agenda.

With leaders from diverse political backgrounds in attendance, this unprecedented event underscores Trump’s global influence as he prepares for his second term.