Trump Invites Controversial World Leaders to Second Inauguration

The unprecedented guest list includes far-right populists and authoritarian figures, breaking long-standing U.S. political traditions.

President-elect Donald Trump has invited several foreign leaders, including populist and authoritarian figures, to his January 20 inauguration, a break from U.S. tradition.
Confirmed invitees include Argentina's far-right President Javier Milei, Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro, and Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, with others such as Hungary's Viktor Orbán still undecided.
Chinese President Xi Jinping declined the invitation but plans to send a delegation, while Bolsonaro faces legal and travel challenges due to his confiscated passport in Brazil.
Critics have raised concerns about the inclusion of leaders accused of undermining democracy, such as El Salvador's Nayib Bukele and Hungary's Orbán, signaling a shift in Trump's diplomatic priorities.
This move has sparked debate over the implications of inviting illiberal leaders to a U.S. presidential inauguration and its potential impact on international relations.