Many influential figures and global leaders are expressing interest in attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration scheduled for January 20.
Trump, recognized for his unorthodox tactics and determination, has once again strayed from tradition by inviting foreign heads of state to the ceremony.
Reports indicate that Trump has amassed over $170 million for the inauguration — a record amount, with contributions from tech executives and major donors backing the event.
Federal Election Commission records show that the extensive funds collected by Trump’s inaugural committee exceed the $62 million raised by President Joe Biden four years prior.
Vice-President JD Vance will also be inaugurated during the same event.
Invitations have been sent to several significant global powers and important US allies, such as India. Meanwhile, leaders in key industries are racing to obtain VIP passes to curry favor with the incoming administration.
Donald Trump’s inauguration event: Who has received invitations?
Joe Biden
Joe Biden has confirmed he will “of course” attend Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration, brushing off the Republican’s “childish game.”
“The only president to skip an inauguration is the individual who is soon to be sworn in,” Biden stated in an interview broadcast on the Meidas Touch network.
Although the White House had previously announced Biden’s attendance, this is the first occasion Biden personally addressed the topic.
Notably, Trump did not participate in Biden’s swearing-in as the 46th US president on January 20, 2021, making him the first president in 150 years to break the tradition symbolizing the peaceful transfer of power in America.
China’s Xi Jinping
President Xi Jinping of China has received a personal invitation from Trump, which is an unexpected gesture amid existing geopolitical tensions between Washington and Beijing.
Transition spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told CBS News about the invitation, noting it’s an example of Trump “fostering an open dialogue with leaders from nations that are not only our allies but also our adversaries and competitors.”
However, media reports indicate that Xi may appoint a senior official to attend in his stead. According to News18, Vice President Han Zheng or Foreign Minister Wang Yi could represent China on January 20.
Italy’s Giorgia Meloni
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has indicated a desire to attend Trump’s inauguration, though she is still confirming her availability.
“If I can, I will happily participate,” she remarked.
Meloni had previously been invited by Trump to his inauguration and to a surprise dinner and movie event at Mar-a-Lago. During this gathering, Trump commended her as a “fantastic woman” and remarked, “She’s really taken Europe by storm.”
Her visit to Mar-a-Lago was largely viewed as a significant show of support for the next president of the United States.
Argentina’s Javier Milei
A prominent ally of Donald Trump, President Javier Milei of Argentina is set to attend the inauguration ceremony, a spokesperson confirmed to CBS News last month.
Bloomberg News was the first to announce Milei’s attendance, citing an official from the Argentinian government.
Elected in 2023, Milei is recognized for his close ties with Trump.
El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele
Last year, Donald Trump Jr. was present at the inauguration of Nayib Bukele for his second term as President of El Salvador.
Bukele was among the initial global leaders to publicly extend his congratulations to Trump following his electoral win.
Hungary’s Viktor Orban
Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary has reportedly received an invitation to the event, with sources informing CBS News that he is currently considering whether to attend.
As one of Trump’s staunchest foreign allies, Orban was received by Trump at Mar-a-Lago after his election victory.
Many Trump supporters in the United States view Orban’s policies as a potential template for Trump’s second term.
Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro
Jair Bolsonaro, the former President of Brazil, disclosed that he has been invited to the inauguration and is in the process of obtaining his passport back, which was confiscated last year amid an investigation related to the attempted coup in 2023.
Bolsonaro shared on X his “honor at receiving the invitation” and noted that his lawyer, Paulo Bueno, has already filed a request for Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes to restore his passport.
Japan’s Takeshi Iwaya
The Japanese Foreign Minister, Takeshi Iwaya, confirmed intentions to attend Donald Trump’s inauguration, as Japan aims to enhance its relations with the upcoming US administration.
“We seek to establish a relationship of trust with the Trump administration,” Iwaya stated in an NHK interview, Japan`s public broadcaster.
As a long-standing ally of the United States, Japan is keen to lay the groundwork for a successful second term for Trump.
Who will represent India?
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will represent India at Donald Trump’s swearing-in ceremony.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced in a press release that Jaishankar would engage with members of the new administration and other distinguished guests present at the event.
Who will represent Bangladesh?
Following the tradition, Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Asad Alam Siam will attend President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration day on Monday, which includes a formal swearing-in ceremony as well as musical performances and a celebratory parade, report UNB.
“There is a tradition, and as per the tradition, this time too, Mission heads in the US have been invited,” Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Rafiqul Alam told reporters at the weekly briefing on Thursday.
Ambassador Asad Alam Siam will attend the ceremony on behalf of the government of Bangladesh, Alam said, stressing that there has been no deviation from the tradition.
Foreign Affairs Adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh Md Touhid Hossain on Wednesday said that Bangladesh`s ties with major powers like the United States are not government-specific, indicating no major change in relations during Donald Trump`s presidency.
"We have nothing to speculate," he said, expressing optimism things will move on smoothly in terms of relations with the United States.
"Our relations with India, China and the US are very important. We will surely maintain balanced relations with these three countries protecting our own interests," Hossain said, adding that Bangladesh is not to be dissatisfied with any country.
He said Bangladesh will maintain good relations with these three countries protecting Dhaka`s interests.
Other leaders
In addition to major world leaders, attendees expected at Trump’s inauguration include Elon Musk and Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.
French far-right politician Eric Zemmour is also anticipated to be at the ceremony.
An advisor affiliated with Team Trump informed CNN, “Trump is very keen on having global leaders at the inauguration. He desires an international platform.”
UK politician Nigel Farage also affirmed his participation, according to Sky News.
Donald Trump’s inauguration: Who’s not invited?
Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have reportedly not received invitations to the event. 
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will also be absent but has expressed a desire to connect with the new administration soon.
“There has been no invitation and no plans for attendance,” confirmed EU spokeswoman Paula Pinho, adding, “We will be looking for early engagement with the new administration.”
Which tech leaders are expected to attend?
According to Bloomberg, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is expected to be present at the event.
Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, is also likely to attend, according to a spokesperson from the company.
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi will participate in some related events. Bloomberg disclosed that Uber intends to co-host an inauguration celebration in Washington alongside Elon Musk’s X and media company The Free Press.
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