Global Leaders Attend Trump’s Inauguration Despite Notable Absences
Giorgia Meloni, Javier Milei, Rupert Murdoch, and Conor McGregor were among the attendees at Donald Trump's second inauguration, whereas distinguished European leaders and certain far-right figures were notably absent.
A diverse array of international figures took part in Donald Trump’s second inauguration, featuring political leaders, business magnates, and celebrities.
Among the prominent attendees were Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Argentina's President Javier Milei, both associated with right-wing populism.
Meloni, a close supporter of Trump, was spotted conversing with media mogul Rupert Murdoch during the ceremony.
Milei, lauded by Trump for his aggressive deregulation policies, also participated in the event.
Other right-wing figures present included French far-right politician Éric Zemmour, recognized for his contentious statements on immigration, and British politician Nigel Farage, who attended a gala despite not having an official invitation to the swearing-in.
Former UK Prime Ministers Boris Johnson and Liz Truss were also in Washington for the occasion, though not at the Capitol rotunda.
Only a few official foreign delegates attended, such as China’s Vice President Han Zheng, Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, and India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.
Several influential business personalities, like Bernard Arnault, founder of LVMH, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, were also in attendance.
Conor McGregor, a mixed martial arts fighter and Trump supporter, was present, further strengthening the link between Trump’s campaign and the world of combat sports.
Conspicuously absent were key European Union leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and top diplomat Kaja Kallas.
Other far-right figures from Europe, such as Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro, were also unable to attend, as Bolsonaro’s passport request to travel to the US was denied by Brazil’s Supreme Court.