Official attendance lists and media coverage of the inauguration

Trump Invites Milei, Bukele, Meloni, and Xi to Inauguration, Breaking Protocol

Dec 14, 2024, 04:29 PM

President-elect Donald Trump has personally invited several world leaders to his inauguration ceremony on January 20, including Argentine President Javier Milei, El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Chinese President Xi Jinping. This move breaks with traditional protocol, as it is uncommon for foreign leaders to attend U.S. presidential inaugurations. The invitation to Milei is particularly noted for the ideological and personal affinity between the two leaders, with Milei's attendance seen as a gesture of this close relationship. Despite the invitation, Xi Jinping's attendance is considered unlikely, with a high-level delegation expected to represent China instead. The invitations reflect Trump's strategy to foster dialogue with both allies and competitors, aiming for a global stage at his inauguration.