Ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration, progressive Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez appeared to say in a video that she wouldn’t be attending Donald Trump’s inauguration since he was a ‘rapist’. In a video that has since gone viral on X, AOC says: “Congresswoman, are you going to the inauguration? Let me make myself clear. I don’t celebrate rapists.”
Harry Sisson, a liberal influencer who recently met Joe Biden wrote: “I love AOC’s response when asked if she’s going to Trump’s inauguration “I don’t celebrate rapists. So, no. I’m not going to the inauguration tomorrow.” Boom.”
Donald Trump Inauguration Guest List
Donald Trump’s inauguration guest list reportedly includes foreign dignitaries, tech and business executives, three of the richest men in the world, former presidents, and an assortment of performers and celebrities. Here is a look at those planning to attend the event and some notable absentees.
World Leaders
China’s Vice President, Han Zheng, will represent Xi Jinping, whom Trump had invited to the inauguration. From Latin America, Javier Milei, the right-wing populist president of Argentina, is reportedly attending. However, Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil’s former president and another right-wing populist, will not, as his passport was seized by Brazilian federal police, and a Supreme Court justice denied his request to travel.
From Europe, Italy’s right-wing Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, has confirmed her attendance. Meanwhile, Viktor Orbán, Hungary’s prime minister and a Trump ally, received an invitation but has declined to attend. Representatives from key US allies in the Asia-Pacific region will also attend, including India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya.
Billionaires, Business Executives, and Tech Leaders
Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos, three of the world’s richest men, were initially expected to sit in a place of honour on the dais before the ceremony was moved indoors. Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, and Shou Zi Chew, TikTok’s CEO, were also invited to the dais.
Seating for high-profile business donors was already competitive before the last-minute venue change. Reports suggest some donors offered as much as $1 million to Trump’s inaugural committee without securing access to the event or accompanying receptions.
Donald Trump’s Presidential Predecessors
Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton will attend the inauguration, as they did for Trump’s first ceremony eight years ago. However, they will not join the traditional lunch with the president-elect, according to NBC News.
Former Vice President Mike Pence is also expected to attend, per sources familiar with the planning. He received an invitation, as is customary for all former presidents and vice presidents.
Celebrity Invitees
Carrie Underwood is scheduled to perform “America the Beautiful” at the inauguration, according to the programme of events. Victor Willis, the last surviving founding member of the Village People—whose music frequently features at Trump rallies—announced on Facebook that the group accepted an invitation to participate in the festivities.
Several athletes and musicians are also set to attend, including American football player Antonio Brown, boxer Mike Tyson, martial artist Jorge Masvidal, and ice hockey player Evander Kane. Musicians Anuel AA, Justin Quiles, Rod Wave, Kodak Black, and Fivio Foreign have also confirmed their attendance, according to NBC News.
Notable Absentees
Michelle Obama
While Barack Obama is attending, former First Lady Michelle Obama will not. A statement from her office did not specify a reason but noted she had also missed other events this month, including the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter, which all other living former presidents and first ladies attended.
Nancy Pelosi
Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, a prominent Trump adversary during his first term, will also skip the inauguration. At 84, Pelosi is recovering from a hip replacement after a fall during an official trip to Luxembourg. While she has resumed attending House votes, her spokesperson did not provide a reason for her absence. Long-standing animosity between Pelosi and Trump likely plays a role.
