As the world eagerly anticipates Donald J Trump’s swearing-in for his second term as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025, the guest list is emerging as a fascinating reflection of global political dynamics.

Among the notable international attendees, India will be represented by External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar, tasked with reinforcing the strategic relationship between the US and India. However, India is not the only country sending high-profile representatives. 

China, while initially expected to send President Xi Jinping himself, had officially RSVPed but will instead send other senior officials, either Vice President Han Zheng or Foreign Minister Wang Yi, to attend the event. Alongside China, a diverse group of foreign leaders, many with populist and nationalist leanings, will also mark their presence at this high-stakes inauguration.

India’s Diplomatic Representation: S Jaishankar Takes Center Stage

Jaishankar, will represent the Indian government at Trump’s second inauguration. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on early Sunday morning (Jan 12, 2025) confirmed Jaishankar’s participation, signaling India’s intent to maintain and deepen US-India relations under Trump’s leadership.

According to the official statement, the minister is expected to engage in discussions with key members of the incoming administration during his visit, focusing on crucial matters such as defense cooperation, trade partnerships, and technological advancements between the two nations. As India’s diplomatic face at this high-profile event, Jaishankar’s attendance underscores the importance of bilateral ties with the US in India’s global strategy.

China’s High-Level RSVP: Xi’s Absence but Significant Representation

Initially, Chinese President Xi Jinping was invited to attend Trump’s inauguration in a bid to strengthen US-China relations, especially given the ongoing trade and geopolitical tensions. However, reports now confirm that Xi has sent his RSVP for the event but will not be attending in person. Instead, China will send a senior representative, either Vice President Han Zheng or Foreign Minister Wang Yi, to represent the country. While Xi’s absence might signal caution or political considerations, his decision to send a high-level delegation highlights China’s continued desire to engage with the U.S. despite differences over issues like trade, technology, and military presence in the Indo-Pacific.

The presence of either Han Zheng or Wang Yi indicates that China is committed to maintaining diplomatic relations with the US under Trump’s second term. Both officials are well-versed in international affairs and will likely play a crucial role in the unfolding dialogue between the two superpowers. Their attendance at the inauguration is also a reminder that global powers like China remain deeply invested in US politics, despite rising tensions in several areas.

A Star-Studded Global Guest List: South America and Europe’s Right-Wing Allies

In addition to India and China, Trump’s inauguration will feature a strong showing from populist and right-wing leaders, many of whom share ideological common ground with the incoming US President. Invitations have been extended to a number of international figures whose leadership styles and political agendas align with Trump’s America First ideology.

From South America: Leaders with Shared Economic and Nationalist Views

• Javier Milei (Argentina): Javier Milei, Argentina’s new president, has confirmed his attendance at Trump’s inauguration. Known for his libertarian economic policies, including bold market reforms and a staunch anti-government stance, Milei’s alignment with Trump’s populist, free-market rhetoric makes him one of the key South American figures at the event.

• Nayib Bukele (El Salvador): Nayib Bukele, the president of El Salvador, will also attend. Known for his unconventional leadership, aggressive anti-crime policies, and centralized control, Bukele’s presidency bears striking similarities to Trump’s in terms of governance style. His appearance at the inauguration further solidifies the ideological camaraderie between the two leaders.

From Europe: A Far-Right Contingent

• Giorgia Meloni (Italy): Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s far-right Prime Minister, has confirmed she will attend Trump’s inauguration if her schedule permits. Meloni’s policies on immigration, nationalism, and conservatism align closely with Trump’s political vision, making her one of the most significant European guests at the ceremony.

• Viktor Orbán (Hungary): Viktor Orbán, Hungary’s long-time Prime Minister, a champion of illiberal democracy and staunch opponent of European Union mandates, is another leader expected at the inauguration. Orbán’s strong alignment with Trump on issues like immigration, national sovereignty, and resistance to globalist agendas places him firmly in Trump’s circle of international allies.

Other Notable Guests

• Jair Bolsonaro (Brazil): Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who faces legal challenges back home, has received an invitation. His attendance, however, remains uncertain due to legal and logistical issues. Nonetheless, his populist, nationalist rhetoric closely mirrors Trump’s, and both share similar approaches to governance.

• Eric Zemmour (France): The far-right French political figure, Eric Zemmour, has also reportedly received an invitation. Zemmour’s controversial anti-immigration views and nationalistic policies align with the broader political ethos of the Trump administration.

Corporate Giants: Power Players Backing Trump’s Second Term

Alongside the world leaders, corporate giants will play a significant role in backing Trump’s inauguration, ensuring that the event is not just a political gathering but also a business affair. Several major companies, particularly in the tech, aerospace, and media sectors, have pledged substantial donations to support the event.

• Boeing: Boeing, one of America’s largest aerospace companies, has committed $1 million to support the inauguration. This continues Boeing’s long-standing tradition of contributing to presidential inaugurations, further solidifying its strong ties with U.S. politics.

• Google: Google has also pledged $1 million and will stream the event live on YouTube, making the inauguration accessible to a global audience. This contribution highlights Google’s complex relationship with the Trump administration and its role in shaping the digital landscape.

• Meta: Meta (formerly Facebook), under CEO Mark Zuckerberg, has also made a $1 million donation, continuing its involvement in U.S. presidential events. Zuckerberg’s relationship with Trump, particularly regarding social media regulation, adds a layer of intrigue to Meta’s participation.

These contributions, alongside corporate involvement from companies like Uber and Elon Musk’s X, underscore the intersection of business and politics, where economic and strategic interests often converge with political power.

A Polarizing Inauguration: Implications for US and Global Politics

Trump’s second inauguration is set to be a highly polarized event. The guest list is a reflection of his political alliances, with leaders from across the globe who share similar populist, nationalist, and conservative views. The decision by Xi Jinping to send a high-level official instead of attending personally might indicate China’s cautious stance, but it also reflects the importance of maintaining diplomatic relations with the U.S. under Trump’s leadership.

A Defining Moment in Global Politics

As January 20, 2025, draws closer, Trump’s second inauguration will be more than just a US political event—it will be a global moment, one that reflects the shifting tides of international diplomacy, populism, and corporate power. With corporate giants backing the event and global leaders watching closely, this inauguration will be a spectacle that shapes the future of both U.S. politics and global relations.