WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — President-elect Donald Trump has extended invitations to various world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, for his inauguration scheduled next month. This unprecedented move intertwines U.S. allies and rivals into a distinct American political event, showing a willingness to embrace unconventional approaches in diplomacy.
During an event at the New York Stock Exchange, Trump mentioned that he has been considering inviting certain leaders to the inauguration without specifying who they are. He acknowledged some concerns surrounding the risk of such invitations but expressed a desire to take chances.
His statement came shortly after incoming White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed that Trump had officially invited Xi and other international figures. Historically, no foreign head of state has attended a U.S. inauguration based on State Department records.
This invitation arrives during a time of global anticipation regarding Trump’s leadership style and his “America First” stance. He has proposed significant tariffs against China, which he views as a primary economic competitor, as well as Canada and Mexico, unless these nations take more substantial action against illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
Furthermore, Trump has indicated a rapid response towards resolving Russia’s lengthy conflict in Ukraine and has urged NATO allies to meet their defense spending commitments to sustain U.S. support as outlined in the alliance treaty.
In his remarks, Trump stressed previous discussions with Xi and other leaders, indicating optimism for fruitful engagement. He expressed a feeling of exploitation concerning U.S. economic and military contributions, emphasizing the need for a balance in international interactions.
Experts speculate that Xi may view Trump’s invitation as a dangerous proposition, suggesting that the diplomatic strains between the U.S. and China will likely persist regardless of the gesture. Danny Russel from the Asia Society Policy Institute pointed out that Xi would not want to appear as simply celebrating the success of a U.S. leader.
Leavitt, however, viewed the invitation as an opportunity for dialogue with both allies and adversaries. She referenced Trump’s prior term, claiming that it facilitated peace and highlighted his commitment to American interests.
When asked about Trump’s invitation, a spokesperson from the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated there was no current information available.
While Leavitt did not disclose any leaders’ names beyond Xi, Trump’s invitation correlates with his belief that foreign policy should function similarly to intricate business negotiations, utilizing both incentives and pressure.
Historian Jim Bendat commented that the notion of inviting world leaders is not inherently negative, yet he expressed that it would be more favorable to send invites to allies instead of foes. Edward Frantz, another historian, noted that the invitation only serves to enhance Trump’s reputation as a skilled negotiator.
White House officials commented that the decision of whom to invite rests solely with Trump, with one spokesperson, John Kirby, stressing the importance and complexity of the U.S.-China relationship.
It remains uncertain whether any of the invited leaders, including Xi, will attend the inauguration. A top aide to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban confirmed that he does not plan to be present at the event, despite Trump’s prior support for him.
In a customary practice, the chief diplomatic representatives of every nation in the U.S. will also receive invitations, enhancing the inclusivity of the event.
Notably, Xi recently urged President Biden during a meeting in Peru to avoid escalating trade hostilities, suggesting that a positive diplomatic approach would be beneficial for both nations. Similarly, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has warned that tariffs imposed by Trump would harm the U.S. economy.
Tensions between the U.S. and China also revolve around a range of issues, including Beijing’s perceived support for Russia amidst its ongoing war in Ukraine. U.S. officials accuse China of facilitating Russian military operations and criticize it for not reining in North Korea, which has been supporting Russia in its conflict.
Trump’s inauguration is scheduled for January 20, looming over a critical deadline for ByteDance—the Chinese parent company of TikTok—to sell its U.S. operations or face a potential ban.
