Trump’s Second Inauguration, Foreign Leaders Attending, What’s Different and Who’s Invited?

Julie Anne L.
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President-elect Donald Trump will take the oath of office as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025. Trump’s second inauguration stands out from previous ceremonies due to an unusually diverse guest list, including international leaders and prominent figures from the far-right political spectrum.

Trump's second inauguration
Photo via AP: Pablo Martinez Monsivais

How This Inauguration Breaks Tradition

Typically, U.S. presidential inaugurations are domestic events. The president takes the oath of office on the Capitol steps, accompanied by U.S. officials, former presidents, and other prominent Americans. Foreign representation is generally limited to diplomats and ambassadors.

This year, however, Trump has extended invitations to a notable group of international leaders. These include both allies and rivals, making the event a rare global political gathering.

Notable Attendees for Trump’s Second Inauguration

Key figures attending the inauguration include:

  • Javier Milei (President of Argentina): A close ally of Trump, Milei confirmed his attendance. Trump has praised Milei’s leadership and policies.
  • Daniel Noboa (President of Ecuador): Noboa plans to pause his re-election campaign to attend the ceremony.
  • Giorgia Meloni (Prime Minister of Italy): While Meloni has not officially confirmed, her office indicated she might attend if scheduling permits.
  • Mateusz Morawiecki (Former Polish Prime Minister): Now a European Parliament leader, Morawiecki will represent Poland’s far-right interests at the event.

Some leaders, though invited, will send representatives. For example:

  • China: President Xi Jinping will not attend, but Vice President Han Zheng will represent the nation.
  • India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will skip the event, with Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar attending instead.

Key Absences

Several prominent leaders have not been invited, including many from centrist or left-leaning governments:

  • UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer: Starmer’s office confirmed no invitation was extended.
  • Germany’s President Olaf Scholz: Instead, Alice Weidel of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party will be represented by Tino Chrupalla.
  • French President Emmanuel Macron: Macron was omitted, with Eric Zemmour of the Reconquest party attending in his place.

NATO and European Union leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, are largely absent from the guest list. Their exclusion highlights Trump’s focus on aligning with conservative and populist figures.

Comparisons to Global Swearing-In Ceremonies

Photo via AP: Andrew Harnik

While inaugurations in the U.S. are traditionally domestic, some nations have included international leaders. For example:

  • India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted over 9,000 guests for his third inauguration, including leaders from neighboring countries.
  • Turkey: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed 34 world leaders during his third swearing-in ceremony in 2023.

A Shift in Political Norms

Trump’s decision to invite a politically diverse and international group underscores his intent to reshape traditional norms. The inclusion of allies and rivals, particularly those from the far-right, marks a significant departure from past U.S. inaugurations.

As the event approaches, this guest list reflects not just a change in tradition but a realignment of global political alliances.

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Hey, it's Julie! Fueled by coffee and cuddles from my 5 feline overlords, I'm on a perpetual quest for the perfect plate. When I'm not exploring new restos, you'll find me curled up with a good book or planning my next adventure.

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