In a striking departure from tradition, the ceremony will host a notable roster of foreign leaders, making it an unprecedented international affair, as no heads of state have previously made an official visit to the U.S. for an inauguration.
Trump, alongside Vice President-elect JD Vance, will take the oath of office on the steps of the Capitol, followed by a day of celebrations, including musical performances, a parade, and inaugural balls.
However, the spotlight will be on the distinguished and unconventional guest list, which includes sitting heads of state, former leaders, and notable political figures from around the globe.
Typically, U.S. presidential inaugurations are domestically focused, attended by American officials, former presidents, and other VIPs, with foreign representation limited to diplomats.
Trump, however, has invited several heads of state and two former leaders to his inauguration, signalling a significant break from protocol.
Many of the invited leaders share ideological alignment with Trump, particularly from right-wing or populist circles, while a few represent diplomatic overtures.
Media reports indicate that an estimated 500,000 guests are expected in total.
Who's Attending?
The confirmed attendees for President-elect Trump's second inaugural ceremony include several prominent figures. Argentina's President Javier Milei, a far-right leader and strong ally of Trump, will be present, with Trump having praised him as a transformative force for Argentina.
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is also expected to attend, though her participation depends on her schedule. Meloni's potential presence follows her meeting with Trump in Florida in January, which solidified their political rapport.
Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa has confirmed his attendance, citing his support for Trump's leadership in the Americas.
Former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, a key figure in European right-wing politics, has also confirmed his presence.
Former President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, is also expected at Trump's historic inauguration.
However, several other leaders have faced hurdles preventing their attendance. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a close Trump ally, will not be there due to domestic commitments.
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, often called the 'Trump of the Tropics,' is unable to attend due to a travel ban imposed by Brazil's Supreme Court, although he has expressed strong support for Trump.
Notable Absences
Notably absent from the guest list are prominent allies from NATO and the European Union, underscoring Donald Trump's often-contentious relationships with traditional Western powers.
Both UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz were excluded from the event, while far-right figures such as Nigel Farage from the UK and Alice Weidel from Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD) were invited.
Despite their previous associations with Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also not be attending. Instead, Modi will send Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar as his representative.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
