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On Monday, Jan.20, Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. Despite being the first U.S. president convicted of a crime, Trump defeated Kamala Harris in the November 2024 elections. His second non-consecutive term already ushers in unprecedented times for the country. However, that is no surprise, given that it is Trump. He has a knack for defying the norm, and his swearing-in ceremony will not be any different.
An Inauguration For Foreign World Leaders & Billionaires
For the first time in history, foreign world leaders could be present at the inaugural ceremony. The decades-long custom faced extinction when Trump did the unusual, extending an invite to Chinese president Xi Jinping. While ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange in December, the president-elect said he was “thinking about inviting certain people to the inauguration.” Although he didn’t mention specific names, he alluded to the prestige of the guest list, saying:
‘And some people said, ‘Wow, that’s a little risky, isn’t it? the president-elect added. And I said, ‘Maybe it is. We’ll see. We’ll see what happens.’ But we like to take little chances.”
Incoming White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Trump’s plans on Fox News. “This is an example of President Trump creating an open dialogue with leaders of countries that are not just allies but our adversaries and our competitors, too,” she explained. However, many world leaders such Jinping, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, France’s Emmanuel Macron have declined to attend. Although Trump’s inauguration ceremony might be void of world leaders, plenty of world billionaires will be in attendance. Tech moguls like Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos are confirmed to be present.
No Former Presidents At The Traditional Inaugural Luncheon?
Foreign leaders might show up for Trump’s swearing-in, but former US presidents won’t attend his traditional inaugural luncheon. The event typically happens after the inauguration and sees all former presidents in attendance. However, this time, that won’t be the case, and Trump has no one but himself to blame. The Apprentice star broke precedent in 2021 when he declined to attend Joe Biden’s inauguration.
Now, it seems the former presidents are paying him back in his own coin. Per NBC News, Barack Obama declined an invitation to attend and so did Bill Clinton. George Bush’s office said it was not tracking an invitation to the luncheon. The former heads of state, however, will be present at the swearing-in ceremony earlier in the day. Donald Trump’s 2025 inaugural luncheon is a stark contrast from 2017 when the Clintons attended despite his defeat of Hillary Clinton.
Ex- First Lady Michelle Obama Takes A Stand Against Donald Trump?
It is often custom for all living former US presidents and their first ladies to attend inauguration events. However, on January 20, Michelle Obama won’t join her husband, Barack, to witness Trump’s swearing-in. Earlier this week, it was confirmed that the former first lady will be absent. “Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former first lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration,” the Obamas’ office said in a statement. No further explanation was given.
According to a source, Michelle still considers the president-elect a threat to American society and won’t stand for it. “There’s no overstating her feelings about [Trump]. She’s not one to plaster on a pleasant face and pretend for protocol’s sake,” the insider told People Magazine. “Michelle doesn’t do anything because it’s expected or it’s protocol or it’s tradition.”
Even The Weather Is Too Cold For Donald Trump
For the first time in 40 years, the presidential inauguration will be held indoors due to harsh weather. Trump announced the update on Truth Social, writing:
“There is an Arctic blast sweeping the Country. I don’t want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way. Therefore, I have ordered the Inauguration Address, in addition to prayers and other speeches, to be delivered in the United States Capitol Rotunda.”
Per the New York Times, temperatures in Washington on Monday are projected to drop to a low of 11 degrees, with a high of 23 degrees. The last time a swearing-in moved indoors was for President Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration in 1985. The change in venue means fewer people in attendance.
Donald Trump’s Inauguration Will Be Held At A Crime Scene
The number of attendees won’t be the only factor affected by the venue change. The new inauguration location for Trump is where the infamous January 6th Capitol Riot took place. On Jan. 6, 2021, throngs of Donald Trump’s supporters stormed the capitol to disrupt the vote certification process, inspired by false claims that the 2020 elections were stolen. He incited the angry mob on social media despite clear evidence he lost to Joe Biden. The day marked a dark turn for democracy in America, but Trump continues to downplay it. His involvement in the insurrection resulted in criminal charges, which were later dismissed.
