Trump Inaugural Event
Jan. 13, 2025, 3:25 a.m.
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Trump Inaugural Event: World Leaders, Record Donations, and Sold-Out VIP Passes

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New Delhi: With the January 20 inauguration rapidly approaching, Donald Trump is making his mark as the 47th President of the United States. The swearing-in ceremony at the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. is drawing significant attention, with invitations sent to world leaders, tech moguls, and business tycoons hoping to secure VIP passes.

India’s Representation: Dr. S. Jaishankar to Attend

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has been invited by the Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee to represent India at the high-profile event. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed today that Dr. Jaishankar will attend the inauguration of President-elect Trump and Vice President JD Vance on January 20. During his visit, the Indian Minister is expected to meet with representatives of the incoming administration as well as other dignitaries.

India's participation underscores the growing bilateral ties between the two nations, and New Delhi aims to use the inauguration as an opportunity to strengthen this relationship under the new leadership.

World Leaders at the Inauguration

Unlike previous inaugurations where world leaders were not traditionally invited, Trump has extended personal invitations to key global figures, including Chinese President Xi Jinping. This move comes amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions between the US and China. While Xi is unlikely to attend personally, it is expected that Chinese Vice President Han Zheng or Foreign Minister Wang Yi may represent China at the event.

Additionally, several other leaders have received invitations, including El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Argentina's President Javier Milei. Trump's team has yet to confirm all attendees, but the gathering promises to be one of the most internationally attended US inaugurations in recent history.

Trump’s Desire for a Global Stage

Trump has expressed a strong desire for his inauguration to serve as a "world stage," following his recent trip to Paris for the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral. There, he met a wide array of international leaders. Sources close to Trump revealed that the incoming president is eager for a similar show of global unity at the inauguration. This will require immense logistical coordination, with the US Secret Service tasked with securing multiple heads of state.

However, the unorthodox manner in which invitations were extended—often informally or through back channels—has made it challenging to track who exactly has been invited, according to reports from CNN. Despite this, Trump remains confident that "everybody I've invited has accepted."

Record Donations to the Inaugural Committee

In anticipation of a lavish inaugural event, corporate giants have made substantial donations. The inauguration committee has already raised over $170 million, with many donations exceeding a million dollars. Notable contributors include Boeing, Google, Meta, Microsoft, Chevron, Amazon, and Uber, as well as tech leaders like Tim Cook of Apple and Sam Altman of OpenAI.

This fundraising effort far surpasses previous inaugurations, including President Joe Biden’s 2021 inauguration, which raised $62 million. Trump's 2017 inauguration raised $107 million, but this year’s total is expected to break that record.

VIP Passes Sold Out Amid High Demand

Due to overwhelming demand, VIP passes for the inauguration have already sold out. Donors who had expected to receive VIP tickets for key events—including the inauguration ceremony and exclusive balls—have been informed that there is no more space. This has forced major contributors to seek alternative ways to attend, with some relying on tickets provided by members of Congress.

The demand for VIP access reflects the significance of the inauguration for the lobbying industry, with corporate donors eager to gain influence and secure favorable treatment from the incoming administration. The event is a prime opportunity for networking and forging new political ties.

For those who had hoped for access to exclusive events, such as the swearing-in ceremony and a special "candlelight dinner" with Trump and his wife, Melania, the competition for tickets has become fierce.



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