Summary
So, imagine if a rockstar, who also happens to be a newly elected President, decides to attend the inauguration of another controversial figure – that’s exactly what might happen with Argentina’s President Javier Milei, a self-proclaimed “anarcho-capitalist”, possibly attending Trump’s inauguration. It’s like a rare comet sighting, since no world leader has attended an American transfer-of-power ceremony since 1874 – it’s always been the diplomats doing the job. Milei’s attendance could shake up the tradition and signal a new era of direct political engagement, akin to changing the rules of a long standing chess game.
Key Points
• Argentina’s President Javier Milei is likely to attend President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration in January, according to an Argentine diplomatic official.
• Milei is the first world leader expected to be in Washington for the event, though arrangements are underway for others to join.
• Trump has invited more than 100 world leaders, although he confirmed he has not invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
• Chinese President Xi Jinping, whom Trump personally invited, is unlikely to attend according to multiple sources.
• Traditionally, foreign ambassadors and their spouses represent their governments at the event, with no world leader having attended an American transfer-of-power ceremony since 1874.
Background
• Javier Milei, an “anarcho-capitalist” and a Trump acolyte, was elected as Argentina’s President last year. He is known for his economic views that are in stark contrast to Argentina’s traditional leftist policies.
• President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration is a significant event marking the transfer of power in the United States. Traditionally, world leaders do not attend the ceremony.
Future Implications
• Milei’s potential attendance at Trump’s inauguration could mark a shift in diplomatic traditions and set a precedent for future inaugurations.
• The event may also have implications for the relationships between the U.S. and Argentina, and potentially other nations, depending on who else attends the inauguration.
