As we gaze ahead, we find former President Donald Trump on the cusp of being inaugurated as the United States President for an impressive second stint. Back in 2017, few chose to opt out of the ceremonial attendance, including a brief list of 55 Democrats, and a selection of internet activists claiming refusal to even stream the event. But this time around, the global community is waiting eagerly, to witness Trump’s triumphant return to the White House.
With less than a month and a half in the lead-up to this rejoicing event, the sprightly 78-year-old is deep in thought, deliberating on which personalities to include on his coveted guest list. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt has disclosed that the Chinese premier, Xi Jinping, has been formally welcomed, and there are whispering rumors that the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, may also receive the honor. Trump, a man who loves a grand spectacle, has signaled his intention to reshape America’s ties with China by extending an invite to Xi Jinping.
Even though Trump’s campaign was heavy on imposing substantial tariffs on the Asian nation, Xi Jinping, 71, is believed to have respectfully declined the offer. An incident quite in contrast to Trump’s first term where he strived to establish a robust bilateral rapport but ended up initiating a trade war with the nation and attributed the origin of the Covid-19 pandemic to them.
This invitation to Xi Jinping allows global observers an insight into how the President-elect plans to navigate what is anticipated to be his most significant foreign policy challenge yet. The attendees of what is expected to be a star-studded inauguration, featuring the likes of celebrities Kid Rock, Hulk Hogan, and Sylvester Stallone, will be examined for the narratives it hints at President Trump’s approach to governance in his final term.
Since being victorious in the presidential elections, Trump has spent his time productively at his south Florida residence, Mar-a-Lago, and imparted his wisdom with various world leaders, including Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky, Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, and India’s Narendra Modi. Two of these leaders are embattled with ongoing conflicts, which Trump has vowed to resolve swiftly. Narendra Modi, on the other hand, presides over one of the world’s most rapidly growing superpowers.
Earlier, Ms. Leavitt indicated that the invitation to Xi Jinping was an initiative by Mr. Trump to ‘initiate conversations’ with rivals. Despite the criticism Trump faced in his first term, his willingness to establish dialogue culminated in world peace agreements. His straightforward tactic of putting America’s interests at the forefront has aligned global leaders who are eager to engage with a President that they believe will restore global harmony through America’s strength.
The Chinese embassy in Washington responded positively to President Trump’s approach as a ‘welcoming signal’ that could potentially pave the way for a ‘good start’ in US-China relations at the outset of Trump’s subsequent presidential term.
The invitation carries historical significance as it would make President Xi the first international leader to attend a US presidential inauguration. Notwithstanding Trump’s tariff warnings on Chinese exports, this peace offering appears to demonstrate Trump’s mature diplomatic maneuver. In a recent appearance at the New York Stock Exchange, where he initiated the opening bell, Trump mentioned his consideration of exclusive invites to his inauguration, positioning his next move as a tactful chess play.
During the weekend, Trump met with Giorgia Meloni at the Elysée, the French president’s residence, along with distinguished spaceman Elon Musk. Meloni, whose strong rapport with Trump is well-known, is considered a vital anchor in the US-EU relationships.
Confirming the great camaraderie between himself and Meloni, President Trump said, ‘I was with her a lot…we got along great.’ While other countries’ leaders, such as Viktor Orban of Hungary, have no immediate plans to participate in the event, the inauguration is expected to feature President Trump surrounded by his celebratory companions.
Among these, Hollywood’s Sgtor Jon Voight, a theatrical advocate for Trump, is more than likely to score an invite. Stallone, who enjoyed a Thanksgiving meal with the President-elect, is also predicted to grace the occasion with his presence.
The list of distinguished guests perfectly aligns with Trump’s inauguration vision – a vibrant ‘celebration of the American People and our nation.’ However, it’s not only the celebrities that will shape the future of American diplomacy, but also the power dynamics play with the uniquely privileged group of world leaders attending a US presidential inauguration.
As the dawn of President Trump’s second term unfolds, it’s apparent that his leadership style and future strategy are already creating waves of conversation across the globe. A number of his traits, such as the ability to open dialogue with opposition and nations far and wide, are examples of why he remains a standout American leader in this new era of politics.
With a keen eye on the future, he represents a promise of change and strength — a promise that has grasped the attention of the world. As the course is set for President Trump’s second term in office, it would be fascinating to watch how these developments unfold, and how this iconic leadership shapes the future of the United States and indeed, the world at large.