Donald Trump is set to be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025, marking the beginning of his second term. His landslide victory on November 5 has positioned him to lead once again, and his inauguration promises to be a spectacle of diplomacy, political strategy, and corporate influence.
The ceremony will commence at noon (ET) at the U.S. Capitol. Preparations are underway, with invitations extended to prominent global leaders and tech moguls. The guest list highlights Trump’s intent to project his administration’s international and economic priorities.
Chinese President Xi Jinping received a personal invitation from Trump, a surprising move given the complex geopolitical tensions between the two nations. While Xi may not attend in person, reports suggest Vice President Han Zheng or Foreign Minister Wang Yi will represent China. This gesture underscores Trump’s aim to maintain open dialogue with major competitors.
India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, will represent New Delhi at the ceremony. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed his attendance and announced that Jaishankar will also meet with members of the new administration and other dignitaries. This visit reaffirms the strategic partnership between the U.S. and India.
In Europe, far-right leaders like Hungary’s Viktor Orbán and France’s Eric Zemmour are expected to attend, reflecting Trump’s alignment with nationalist and populist ideologies. British politician Nigel Farage, a staunch ally of Trump, has also confirmed his presence.
Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro expressed gratitude for his invitation. Bolsonaro, embroiled in domestic controversies, sees the event as an opportunity to strengthen ties with Trump, a long-time ally.
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele and Argentina’s Javier Milei are other notable attendees. Both leaders share Trump’s conservative values and will likely use the occasion to bolster their international profiles.
The tech world is also abuzz, with industry heavyweights such as Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi planning to attend. Their presence highlights the deepening intersection of politics and technology. Elon Musk’s company X is even co-hosting an inauguration party, reflecting the tech sector’s influence in Washington.
Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya confirmed his attendance, emphasizing the importance of U.S.-Japan relations under Trump’s leadership. As a key ally, Japan aims to ensure continued economic and security cooperation during Trump’s second term.
The convergence of world leaders, influential politicians, and corporate elites underscores the strategic significance of Trump’s inauguration. With a focus on strengthening alliances and redefining global partnerships, this event sets the tone for the administration’s priorities in the years to come.
