Trump’s Inauguration to Feature Controversial Foreign Leaders

The inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States is set for Monday, Jan. 20, at the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. The event coincides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday, and will begin at 10 a.m. MT. Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance will be sworn in, followed by Trump’s inaugural address.

This year’s inauguration is notable for its guest list, which includes several controversial foreign leaders. Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro confirmed his attendance via a social media post, despite ongoing legal troubles in Brazil. Bolsonaro, who has been indicted for allegedly conspiring to violently dismantle the constitutional state, said his lawyer has forwarded a request to attend the “honorable and important historical event.”

Chinese President Xi Jinping, whom Trump has publicly praised as a leader who “controls 1.4 billion people with an iron fist,” has declined the invitation but will send a delegation. The invitation to Xi is considered unprecedented given the geopolitical rivalry between the U.S. and China.

Argentine President Javier Milei, a far-right libertarian elected in November 2023, is also on the guest list. Trump has lauded Milei for his efforts to slash spending and tame inflation. Milei, like Trump, is known for his fiery rhetoric against political rivals and institutions.

El Salvador‘s President Nayib Bukele, accused of human rights violations, has yet to confirm his attendance. Bukele, who assumed a second term in June despite constitutional challenges, has close ties to the Trump camp. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a long-time ally of Trump, is reportedly considering attending. Orban has been criticized for weakening judicial independence and increasing corruption in Hungary.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who recently visited Trump at Mar-a-Lago, is also expected to attend. Meloni, whose party’s flag features a tricolor flame and uses a slogan favored by fascists, has vowed to prevent illegal immigration to Europe.

The inclusion of these leaders has sparked debate, with critics arguing that their presence undermines democratic norms. Supporters, however, see it as a reflection of Trump’s populist approach to international relations.

Each member of Congress receives a limited allotment of tickets to share with constituents. The inauguration will be broadcast on local television news stations and online platforms.