It’s official, Donald Trump is making his return to the White House next week, and the inauguration is shaping up to be anything but ordinary. From the guest list to the parade and everything in between, it’s clear this will be a day to remember.
Let’s start with the invitations because have they caused quite a stir! Apart from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum not making the list. Trump skipped the usual protocol of primarily inviting the former Presidents and Vice Presidents, Congress members, Supreme Court justices, and military leaders, and instead sent out invites to a mix of world leaders and tech moguls.
Tech giants like Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos are confirmed guests who’ll be sitting alongside Elon Musk. Imagine the conversations that would be had! Both reportedly donated $1 million to the inaugural fund and met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago.
In a bold move, amongst mounting tensions between the U.S. and China over tariffs, an invite also went to Chinese President Xi Jinping. While Xi isn’t attending personally, he’s sending a high-ranking representative, which keeps things interesting.
Other guests include leaders whose politics align with Trump’s, such as Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, Argentina’s Javier Milei, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is also invited but will he be able to attend?
Now the parade. It’s to feature a return of the white “MAGA” garbage truck, a symbol Trump embraced during his campaign. It’s unconventional, sure, but it reflects his connection with working-class voters. The truck is to roll down Pennsylvania Avenue, following the military and marching bands.
And for the entertainment segment of the event, it’s a mix of nostalgia and patriotic flair. The Village People will perform at a MAGA rally over the weekend, despite their earlier objections to Trump using their song “Y.M.C.A.” during his campaign. It seems they’ve had a change of heart, calling the song a “global anthem” that can bring people together.
Country star Carrie Underwood will take the stage to sing “America the Beautiful” just before Trump is sworn in. In her statement, she expressed her gratitude for the opportunity and emphasized the importance of unity and looking forward as a nation.
Of course, no inauguration would be complete without some notable absences. Michelle Obama won’t be attending, though former President Barack Obama will. Michelle has been vocal about her criticisms of Trump, so her decision not to attend isn’t entirely unexpected. The Clintons, Bushes and even the Bidens will be present, marking a stark contrast to Trump’s own absence at Biden’s 2021 inauguration.
The weekend’s festivities, including fireworks and rallies, will celebrate Trump’s “historic return” to the presidency. And it’s clear this inauguration will be one for the books.