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World Leaders’ Absences and Attendances: Trump’s Inauguration 2025

World Leaders' Absences and Attendances: Trump’s Inauguration 2025

Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025, was attended by a range of political figures, former presidents, and international leaders, reflecting the shifting political landscape under his leadership. While many prominent individuals were present, notable absences, including figures like Michelle Obama and Justin Trudeau, highlighted the political divisions and tensions surrounding his presidency. These absences, along with others, underscored the complexities of global relations and the changing dynamics in both domestic and international political alliances as the world observed the transition of power.

Figure 1: Donald Trump arrives for 60th inaugural ceremony. (credits: Melina Mara/Pool via REUTERS)

U.S. Political Figures and Former Presidents

Among the attendees were former U.S. Presidents, Vice Presidents, and first ladies. Notably, former President Joe Biden, along with his wife Jill Biden, attended the event. Despite being on opposing sides of the political spectrum, Biden’s presence symbolized a smooth political transition. Former Vice President Kamala Harris, too, was present with her spouse Doug Emhoff, a sharp contrast to the previous inauguration in 2021 when Donald Trump and his wife Melania notably skipped Biden’s swearing-in.

Former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton also attended the inauguration, but former first lady Michelle Obama was absent. Michelle did not provide a specific reason for her absence, but it was notable since she had already skipped Jimmy Carter’s state funeral the previous week.

One of the more dramatic moments at the event was when former Vice President Mike Pence, along with former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, were met with boos from the crowd as they made their way into the Capitol. These reactions highlighted the tense political atmosphere surrounding Trump’s presidency, especially considering his controversial role in the January 6th Capitol riot.

Fig 2: President Donald Trump during the inauguration ceremonies with former President Joe Biden (credits: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

International Leaders and Their Absences

Trump’s inauguration was also marked by the absence of several world leaders. Justin Trudeau, a key figure in U.S.-Canada relations, did not attend the event. He chose instead to remain in Canada for a cabinet retreat, where discussions were centered around Trump’s looming threat to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian goods. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who had met with Trump in Mar-a-Lago the previous week, also decided to skip the event due to the unusually cold temperatures. Several foreign dignitaries were present, though, including Argentina’s President Javier Milei and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Both leaders have established solid relationships with Trump and were keen to show their support. Milei, in particular, had been one of the first to meet with Trump after his election victory and had already attended various inauguration galas over the weekend. Chinese Vice President Han Zheng attended on behalf of Chinese President Xi Jinping, who declined the invitation, likely due to the escalating tension between the U.S. and China. The U.S.-China rivalry was expected to intensify during Trump’s presidency, particularly with his administration’s hawkish stance on trade and technology issues. India was represented at the ceremony by Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, the Minister of External Affairs. Jaishankar expressed his honor in attending and being part of the historic event, signifying India’s keen interest in fostering relations with the new administration.

Celebrities and Business Figures at the Inauguration

Trump’s inauguration also saw the attendance of a number of prominent figures from the world of business and entertainment. Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, made headlines for his presence, underscoring his influential relationship with the new administration. Musk’s appointment to lead the newly established Department of Government Efficiency was part of Trump’s effort to inject business-minded individuals into his cabinet. Other notable billionaires in attendance included Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and Apple’s Tim Cook, all of whom had made significant financial contributions to Trump’s inauguration fund. In addition to business tycoons, several celebrities were also spotted at the event. Wayne and Janet Gretzky were among the stars in attendance, with Janet sharing her pride in attending the event alongside her husband.

Figure 3: Elon Musk gestures during an event, sparking debates over the resemblance to a controversial salute. (credit:twitter)

Also Read: Elon Musk’s Salute Raises Eyebrows: A Moment Echoing the Nazi Salute and Trump’s Inauguration

Performers at the Ceremony

The inauguration was also a stage for several musical performances. Carrie Underwood, a renowned country singer, delivered a stunning a cappella rendition of “America the Beautiful” after technical difficulties interrupted the band’s performance. Other musicians included Lee Greenwood, who sang the patriotic anthem “God Bless the U.S.A.” — a long-time Republican rally favorite. Opera singer Christopher Macchio performed the national anthem, and the Village People, famous for the iconic “Y.M.C.A.,” were featured in pre-inauguration events.

Conclusion

The inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States was a defining moment in American history, not only because of the personalities who attended but also because of those who chose to stay away. From former U.S. Presidents to global leaders and high-profile business figures, the event served as a reflection of the changing political and economic landscape. While Trump’s presence was celebrated by his supporters, the absence of key figures like Michelle Obama and Justin Trudeau highlighted the divisions and complexities of American and global politics in 2025.

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