President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn in as president on Monday, but the sub-freezing temperatures forecasted in Washington have prompted a major change in plans. For the first time in 40 years, the oath of office will be administered indoors at the Capitol Rotunda instead of on the iconic Capitol steps. Organizers are making arrangements to host some of the crowd at the city’s professional basketball and hockey arena.
Arctic Blast Changed Donald Trump’s Inauguration Plans
Why In News
- President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn in as president on Monday, but the sub-freezing temperatures forecasted in Washington have prompted a major change in plans. For the first time in 40 years, the oath of office will be administered indoors at the Capitol Rotunda instead of on the iconic Capitol steps. Organizers are making arrangements to host some of the crowd at the city’s professional basketball and hockey arena.
What’s Different About This Inauguration
- President-elect Trump is breaking with US tradition for this event. Usually, presidential inaugurations are a domestic affair: the president and vice president take the oath with US officials, past heads of state and other American VIPs present on the steps of the US Capitol building. The public is allowed to watch from the surrounding grounds.
- However, this event, which will be accompanied by an inaugural speech, a parade, musical performances and balls, will also be an international affair. Close to a dozen world leaders, most of them conservative and right wing, have been invited.
- Foreign leaders usually do not attend the US presidential inauguration; rather, diplomats such as country ambassadors to the US, or foreign ministers, act as representatives.
Who Is Invited
- Several heads of state, notably right-wing or populist leaders allied with Trump, have been invited, but so have some of his rivals.
- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni: Known for her conservative policies, Meloni’s attendance highlights the deep ties between Italy and the United States.
- Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar: Representing India, Jaishankar’s presence underscores the growing strategic partnership between the two nations.
- Argentinian President Javier Milei: Milei’s participation signals Argentina’s intent to enhance relations with the U.S.
- Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya: Iwaya’s confirmed attendance reaffirms the long-standing alliance between Japan and the United States.
- El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele: Invited following ties established during Trump Jr.’s attendance at Bukele’s inauguration, his presence would symbolize mutual diplomatic interests.
- Tech Titans to Attend
- Prominent figures from the tech industry will also grace the event, signaling Trump’s intent to engage with technology-driven sectors.
- Elon Musk: The CEO of Tesla and SpaceX will represent the forefront of innovation in renewable energy and space exploration.
- Jeff Bezos: The Amazon founder’s presence highlights the role of e-commerce and cloud computing in modern economies.
- Mark Zuckerberg: As the CEO of Meta, Zuckerberg’s attendance underscores the impact of social media and digital platforms on global discourse.
Who Is Not Invited
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has not been invited, his office confirmed on Thursday. However, the far-right politician, Nigel Farage of the Reform UK party, is invited and will be present.
- European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen, and much of the European Union and members of NATO (the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation), which have largely centrist governments, have been ignored.
- Germany’s President Olaf Scholz, who leads the EU’s largest economy, has also been snubbed. An invitation has, however, been extended to Alice Weidel, leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany party (AfD), who will be represented by co-leader Tino Chrupalla.
- Santiago Abascal, who leads the Spanish right-wing Vox Party, and Andre Ventura of Portugal’s populist Chega party, will also be there.
- French President Emmanuel Macron was not invited, although Macron and Trump have friendly relations. Instead, French far-right politician Eric Zemmour of the Reconquest party will be present.
Others
- Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani And Reliance Foundation Founder And Chairperson Nita Ambani On Sunday (January 19, 2025) Extended Their Congratulations To U.S. President-elect Donald Trump At A Private Reception In Washington DC Ahead Of His Inauguration.
