Argentina leader first ever to join US inauguration


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Argentine President Javier Milei is set to make history as the first foreign leader to personally attend a U.S. presidential inauguration, accepting President-elect Donald Trump’s invitation to his January 20 swearing-in ceremony.

The confirmation came through Argentine newspaper La Nación, as reported by Semafor, following a personal phone call from Trump that convinced the initially hesitant Milei to attend. The Argentine president, who had previously celebrated with Trump at Mar-a-Lago after the election, took to social media to express his enthusiasm, sharing a photo of their handshake and declaring “Make Argentina Great Again, Make America Great Again” alongside MAGA and flag emojis.

Trump has extended inauguration invitations to several other world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This marks a departure from traditional protocol, as State Department records since 1874 show that foreign nations have typically been represented by ambassadors and their spouses at presidential inaugurations.

Trump’s spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt characterized these invitations as an effort to foster dialogue with both allies and competitors. The initiative was first mentioned by Trump himself at the New York Stock Exchange, where he acknowledged potential security concerns but dismissed them, stating, “We like to take little chances.”

The unprecedented move of inviting foreign heads of state to the inauguration demonstrates Trump’s unconventional approach to diplomatic relations, with Milei’s confirmed attendance setting a new precedent in inaugural ceremony traditions.

 

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