Trump invites global leaders, including Xi Jinping, to inauguration

Donald Trump is aiming to turn his upcoming inauguration into a global event, extending personal invitations to several foreign leaders, including some with whom the United States has had contentious relations in recent years.

The former president’s transition team confirmed that Trump has invited Chinese President Xi Jinping, a rare gesture to one of America’s chief geopolitical rivals, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Sources suggest that while Xi may not attend personally, a senior Chinese delegation is expected to represent him.

Trump's spokeswoman, Karoline Leavitt, described the invitations as part of Trump's broader strategy to engage with both allies and adversaries. "This is an example of President Trump creating an open dialogue with leaders of countries that are not just allies but our adversaries and our competitors too," Leavitt said.

In addition to Xi, other invited leaders include El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Argentine President Javier Milei, all of whom are known to be close allies of Trump. Their leadership styles, often characterized by strongman tactics and far-right politics, have occasionally rattled the US and its allies.

The invitations have been largely informal, with some extended during phone calls or via back channels, rather than through official diplomatic channels. Written invitations have also been issued by Trump’s team to foreign leaders.

Although Trump's transition team has not disclosed all the names of invited leaders, sources suggest that the president-elect may extend further invitations to leaders considered "risky." "We like to take little chances," Trump remarked, adding that it’s ultimately his prerogative to determine the guest list.

Traditionally, inaugural ceremonies in Washington, DC, do not see the presence of many foreign heads of state, with the decision to invite leaders resting with the incoming president. The bipartisan Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies typically handles invitations to diplomats, while the State Department is also involved in outreach.

Trump’s efforts to broaden his diplomatic outreach, particularly beyond America’s closest Western allies, signal his intention to re-engage with global leaders. Since his political comeback, Trump has resumed communications with world leaders and hosted several at his Florida club. His social media activity also reflects his global focus, with threats of tariffs on Mexico and Canada and calls for a ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict.

Trump’s diplomatic foray also includes a recent trip to Paris for the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, and other world leaders.

By Aghakazim Guliyev