Inauguration Guests: Who’s Attending and Who’s Missing?

Donald Trump’s Inauguration: Who’s Attending and Not Attending

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his inauguration on Monday, a high-profile guest list emerges, featuring some of the world’s wealthiest individuals, foreign dignitaries, tech executives, former presidents, and various celebrities. The ceremony, originally set to take place outdoors, has been moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda due to extremely cold weather forecasts. This venue change could potentially impact the seating arrangements, as the Rotunda has a capacity of about 600 guests, significantly fewer than the outdoor setting.

This inauguration marks Trump’s return to power after notably skipping President Biden’s inauguration four years earlier, a move that was widely viewed as a snub towards his political rival. While every living former president is slated to attend this event, several prominent Democrats have chosen to decline the invitation.

Among the notable guests expected to grace the occasion are influential figures from the business and technology sectors. Billionaires Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos are reportedly set to have seats of honor on the dais. Tech leaders such as Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, and Shou Chew, the CEO of TikTok, are also on the guest list, highlighting the strong ties between the tech industry and Trump’s administration.

The intra-party dynamics of the inauguration also reveal competitive seating arrangements among wealthy donors. Many attendees from the business coterie have contributed significant sums to Trump’s inaugural committee, with some donations reportedly reaching as high as $1 million. Despite this, many donors may not receive direct access to the inauguration or associated events.

Foreign leaders are also on the guest list, with notable figures from around the globe confirming their attendance. China’s Vice President Han Zheng will represent President Xi Jinping. Unlike previous inaugurations that saw the attendance of several prominent world leaders under different U.S. administrations, this year’s lineup includes key right-wing figures. Argentine President Javier Milei and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have both confirmed their participation. However, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been unable to attend due to legal complications surrounding his passport.

In the Asia-Pacific region, leaders from allied nations will make their presence known. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar of India, Foreign Minister Penny Wong of Australia, and Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya are all expected to attend, signaling a strategic focus on international alliances.

Traditionally, former presidents partake in an inaugural lunch with the president-elect, but this year’s gathering will see the absence of the former presidents at this customary meal. Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton will attend the inauguration ceremony; however, they will not join Trump and his new administration for the lunch.

Former Vice President Mike Pence is also anticipated to be in attendance, joining the ranks of former presidents and vice presidents who customarily participate in such events. The significance of Pence’s presence may further emphasize the continuity of certain political values and objectives under Trump’s governance.

The inauguration will also feature notable performances from celebrities, adding more glitz to the event. Carrie Underwood is set to sing “America the Beautiful,” while Victor Willis, the last surviving founding member of the Village People, has confirmed the group’s participation in the festivities. Additionally, various athletes and musicians, including football star Antonio Brown, boxing legend Mike Tyson, and UFC fighter Jorge Masvidal, are expected to be on hand, further diversifying the guest list.

While much of the focus remains on the attendees, notable absences have also sparked conversations. Former First Lady Michelle Obama will notably not attend the inauguration, her absence noted without an explicit reason provided from her office. Meanwhile, Representative Nancy Pelosi, the former Speaker of the House and an outspoken critic of Trump, is also skipping the ceremony due to ongoing recovery from a hip replacement surgery, although she has been actively participating in House votes.

As Trump’s inauguration approaches, it becomes evident that this event is not just a political formality but a significant convergence of business, political, and cultural figures, each bringing their influence and expectations forward into a new chapter of American politics. The mix of attendees from diverse sectors hints at a continued intertwining of business interests and political power. With the lineup of guests and plan adjustments to accommodate the move indoors, all eyes will be on the Capitol Rotunda, where traditions meet contemporary political dynamics on this historic occasion.