Donald Trump, soon to be officially installed as President of the United States for an impressive second term, is attracting eager spectators from every corner, friend and foe alike. Unlike his 2017 inauguration, which saw a minority of 55 Democrats pledging to abstain from attending and digital dissenters promising not to tune in, anticipation for next year’s event is already palpable. In only five weeks, Trump, ever the gracious host at 78, is sorting through potential VIPs who are vying for the coveted invitations. As a hint to the excitement, Karoline Leavitt, press secretary, disclosed that none other than China’s president Xi Jinping has received a formal invitation, alongside Italy’s prime minister Giorgia Meloni, punctuating Trump’s performance with flair and setting the stage for his much-anticipated second term.
Despite Trump’s initial intent to toughen the economic stance against the Asian power, Xi Jinping, aged 71, has reportedly declined the invitation. In the President’s first term, he began with an open disposition towards China; however, the scene shifted as he unflinchingly led a trade war against the Asian titan and held it accountable for the global pandemic.
However, the decision to extend an invitation to President Xi is strategic, providing a formidable insight into Trump’s resolution for the major foreign policy hurdle ahead. This star-spangled event isn’t just featuring global leaders but also celebrity buddies like Kid Rock, Hulk Hogan, and Sylvester Stallone. Each name checked off the invitation list conveys potent narratives about Trump’s impending governance style in the second and final stint in office.
Post-election victory, Trump has largely confined himself to his lush Mar-a-Lago residence in south Florida. It is from here that he has reached out to a number of world leaders including Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky, Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, and India’s Narendra Modi. Two of these leaders are grappling with ongoing wars that Trump pledges to end promptly. In contrast, Narendra Modi governs one of the world’s fastest-growing powerhouses.
Karoline Leavitt shared that Trump’s intentions behind inviting Xi to the inauguration were rooted in initiating ‘open dialogue’ with rivals. Reflecting on his first term, she explained: ‘Criticism never deterred him from striving for global peace. His consistent dedication to America’s interests was appreciated by world leaders who are keenly anticipating his dazzling comeback, hoping that the renewed strength in American leadership ushers in peace globally.’
The Trump administration’s approach was hailed as a ‘welcome signal’ by the Chinese embassy in Washington, pointing optimistically towards a potential positive kick-off for US-China relations in the President’s second term.
Trump’s invitation to President Xi was extraordinary since no world leader has ever attended an inauguration before. That olive branch, coupled with Trump’s assertive stance on Chinese trade, underlines incoming President’s strategic acumen. Speaking at the New York Stock Exchange, where he marked his presence by ringing the bell, Trump disclosed his plans to extend invitations to particular key figures for the inauguration.
Over the weekend, Giorgia Meloni, a potential bridge for US-EU relations, was in conversations with both Trump and Elon Musk at the Elysée, the French President’s official residence. Trump’s camaraderie with Meloni became apparent when he confessed to the New York Post that he ‘got along great’ with her.
Despite the invitation, Viktor Orban of Hungary, who previously visited Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence, has no upcoming travel plans for the inauguration. Beyond world rulers, we should anticipate a jubilant troop surrounding the incoming president.
Sgtor Jon Voight, an early Hollywood supporter of Trump, is likely to make the guest list, and Stallone, who recently celebrated Thanksgiving with Trump, might be making an appearance as well.
The high-profile attendees align perfectly with Trump’s vision for an ‘American People and our nation’ celebration. However, the celebrities won’t be the ones crafting deals or providing solutions to the burning foreign policy questions of our time.
Instead, those answers will rely on the influence wielded by the exclusive group of world leaders gracing the US presidential inauguration for the first time. A clear testimony to the appeal and influence of Trump’s leadership.
Donald Trump’s impending tenure is already creating waves of curiosity as well as importance in the global arena. Keen observers are scrutinizing each move, starting from the guest list of the inaugural event till policy decisions.
In his second term, Trump’s diplomatic relations intend to convey a strong message of camaraderie and strategic alliances to world leaders. With an array of celebrity friends gracing the inaugural function, the event promises both pomp and circumstance.
The larger geo-political picture, however, will be etched by the collective force of world leaders, bearing witness to a ceremonial event for the first time. Their collective influence is expected to have an impact on shaping the policies and decisions pertaining to foreign relations.
In summary, as Mr Trump embarks on his second tenure, the world awaits a fascinating term ahead. The stage is set for an unprecedented historic moment, and all eyes will be on the diverse cast of leaders and celebrities who are expected to grace the event.