Donald Trump’s Inauguration Welcomes Foreign Leaders for the First Time

Washington: For the first time ever, a president-elect is inviting foreign leaders to join in the inauguration festivities. It’s a big deal for the peaceful transfer of power in the U.S.

Donald Trump has reached out to leaders like China’s Xi Jinping, who’s sending his vice president instead. Other notable guests include Argentina’s Javier Milei and Italy’s Giorgia Meloni.

This is a first for U.S. inaugurations. Previously, no heads of state have attended. Some leaders, like Milei and Paraguay’s Santiago Peña, were even at a special Hispanic inaugural ball.

Xi’s invitation was the first to be made public, but he won’t be there himself. Instead, Vice President Han Zheng will represent China. This comes as tensions between the U.S. and China are heating up.

Argentina’s Milei is also making waves. He met Trump right after the election and plans to attend several inaugural events. He’s known for his radical economic policies and is hoping to strengthen ties with the U.S.

Italy’s Meloni is another key player. She’s been in touch with Trump and is expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony. She’s seen as a bridge between Europe and the U.S.

Former Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili will be there too, highlighting the ongoing political struggles in her country. She’s been vocal about Georgia’s importance to U.S. interests in the region.

While French President Emmanuel Macron won’t attend, some far-right figures from France are making the trip. They’re looking to connect with Trump’s administration.

Other leaders from Ecuador and Paraguay are also set to attend. Taiwan had plans to send delegates, but they’ve changed their minds due to the weather. Still, they’ll meet with U.S. officials to discuss relations.

Trump’s phone call with Xi recently touched on various issues, including Taiwan, which remains a sensitive topic. It’s clear that this inauguration is shaping up to be a significant event in U.S. history.