A frenzy has erupted among foreign leaders as they vie for a coveted invitation to President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20. Traditionally, U.S. presidential inaugurations are not attended by foreign leaders, but Trump has upended this precedent, sparking a global scramble.
The excitement began when Trump extended an invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping for the ceremony. Although Xi declined the offer, opting to send a top emissary instead, the invitation set off a wave of diplomatic maneuvering. Leaders across the globe are now lobbying intensely for access, sources revealed.
“They’re Champing at the Bit”
Foreign leaders from nations such as Chile, Peru, Nigeria, and Mozambique are flooding Washington D.C. with requests for invitations. “They’re all going crazy,” said a registered foreign agent. However, for many, the answer is likely to be no. “I tell my clients the truth,” the agent continued. “If you’re Costa Rica, there’s just no way you get invited. What is the value add? You’re not bringing business or major companies from your country.”
Trump will take the oath of office as the 47th president of the United States on the west front of the Capitol building, with Chief Justice John Roberts administering the ceremony at noon. Following the swearing-in, Washington will host an array of inaugural balls and parties, celebrating the peaceful transfer of power—a concept foreign to some of the leaders vying for a spot at the event.
Why Foreign Leaders Are Pushing for Access
Just as wealthy Americans and corporations have poured over $170 million into Trump’s inaugural fund, foreign leaders are driven by strategic interests. Many hope to establish early connections with the incoming administration and advocate for their national priorities.
For example:
- Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is reportedly seeking security assistance for Nigeria’s troubled northern region and economic investment for its southern areas.
- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Argentine President Javier Milei have both received invitations and expressed plans to attend.
- El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, known for his success in combating gang violence, and former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro have also been invited.
Ukraine’s Zelensky Makes Overtures
One leader making waves is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Though Trump has not formally invited him, he has expressed openness to the idea, saying, “If he’d like to come, I’d like to have him.” Zelensky’s team is reportedly working through Trump’s allies to secure an invitation.
“There are people around [Zelensky] trying to get him an invite through different means,” said a Trump insider. “They are approaching Trump allies.”
Why It Matters
Bryan Lanza, a former senior advisor to Trump’s campaign, explained the heightened interest: “Because of the international upheaval that has taken place in the last four years, a lot of world leaders are looking to get to him first so they can share their voice in helping change how Trump responds to some of these crises on the international stage.”
The Road Ahead
As the inauguration approaches, Trump’s invitations are likely to continue sparking diplomatic jockeying. For many leaders, the event is more than ceremonial—it’s a chance to gain influence and set the tone for their relationship with the new administration. Whether they succeed depends on their strategic value to Trump’s vision for his presidency.
