Americans are all set for Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration as President of the US, which is shaping up to be a highly unconventional and unique event. The event will start Trump’s second non-consecutive term in the Oval Office. Scheduled for noon ET, Trump’s inauguration event will occur at the US Capitol in Washington, DC. The swearing-in ceremony will begin at noon ET (11 am CT).
Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony falls on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which is a federal holiday. That makes the day even more significant. It would be the second time in history that the Inauguration Day coincides with MLK Day. The first time it happened was during President Bill Clinton’s second inauguration in 1997.
The ceremony, scheduled for January 20, is breaking American political traditions in multiple ways, from the list of invited guests to the record-breaking funds raised to support the event.
A Unique Guest List
The most impressive aspect of the inauguration is Trump’s choice of international invitees. The guest list prominently features a host of populist and far-right leaders, many of whom are pretty famous among their people. These leaders have consolidated power through their charismatic personalities. Some also faced accusations of undermining democracy, committing human rights violations, or consolidating power through controversial means.
Another crucial observation of the list is that Trump has focused on the tall and populist leaders of the South American region. The exact reason for this invitation has not yet been decoded by foreign policy experts, but it is unexpected and crucial for the US upcoming government establishment under Trump.
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, often known as the “Trump of the Tropics,” has said he will go. Bolsonaro’s appearance is significant given his current legal woes in Brazil. He is charged with plotting a coup and was indicted for allegedly inciting an armed uprising to take over Brazil’s constitutional government following his loss in the 2022 election. Trump understands the situation of the Former Brazilian President. Despite these allegations, Trump’s invitation highlights his admiration for Bolsonaro’s populist style.
Other invitees include
Another unique and controversial leader, especially for the US, President Xi Jinping of China, has also been invited to the swearing ceremony. This is seen as an exceptionally rare offer extended to America’s main geopolitical rivals. Reports say Xi has declined the invitation but plans to send a delegation. Trump’s praise of Xi as a “strong man” contrasts sharply with Xi’s status as the leader of a key US rival.
President Javier Milei of Argentina is a far-right libertarian whose policies and rhetoric echo Trump’s own understanding of traditional political establishments.
Donald Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr, was one of the guests of honour at the inauguration of El Salvador’s President Nayub Bukele’s second term last year. Nayib Bukele was among the first global leaders to congratulate Trump on his victory in the US Presidential election. He has also received an invite to Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán of Hungary, a longtime Trump ally. One of Trump’s longest and strongest foreign allies, Orban, is reportedly ‘still considering’ whether he’ll attend. Orbán is known for his anti-immigration rhetoric which is parallel to President Trump. Trump welcomed Orban to Mar-a-Lago after his election win. Trump’s US supporters have embraced Orbán’s approach as a blueprint for his second term.
Trump invited Meloni to his inauguration and to Mar-a-Lago for a surprise dinner and a movie last weekend, praising her as a “fantastic woman. She’s really taken Europe by storm.” Meloni opposes LGBTQ+ and abortion rights and has vowed to set up naval blockades to block migrants from reaching European shores. Her party’s flag features a tricolour flame popularized by dictator Benito Mussolini, and she still uses a slogan favoured by fascists – “God, Fatherland and family.”
The listing of Trump’s leaders is a reflection of Trump’s agreement and admiration with populist and authoritarian figures who are oftentimes accused of undermining democratic norms. Sidelined from the invitation, however, were Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi – three rulers whom Trump has also praised before.
Record-Breaking Fundraising
Trump’s inaugural committee has already raised more than $170 million, with expectations to exceed $200 million by the event date. This figure dwarfs the $62 million raised by President Joe Biden in 2021 and surpasses Trump’s own record-setting $107 million in 2016.
The funds have come from major corporations and wealthy individuals looking to curry favor with the new administration. Tech giants such as Amazon and Meta, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, have all donated $1 million. These donations will pay for the pomp and circumstance of the ceremony, parade, and inaugural balls. What is left will likely go towards Trump‘s presidential library when he decides to create one.
What should we conclude?
The upcoming inauguration underscores Trump’s preference for breaking norms and reshaping the political culture. His choice of populist leaders as invitees and his ability to raise unprecedented funds reflect his enduring appeal among certain segments of society and his influence over global politics.
Trump’s second term promises to be marked by his alignment with leaders who share his understanding and ideologies of institutions and norms. As the world watches this unprecedented gathering, the implications for international relations and domestic governance will likely reverberate far beyond the ceremony itself.