Trump's inauguration invites stir international intrigue
The American television network CBS, citing its sources, reports that Donald Trump has invited Chinese leader Xi Jinping to his inauguration. Officials organising this ceremony are also endeavouring to invite other foreign dignitaries.
According to CBS, Trump extended the invitation to Xi at the beginning of November, shortly after the elections. It remains unclear whether the Chinese leader has accepted the invitation. The spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington did not provide CBS with a comment on the matter.
Apart from Xi, CBS suggests that other leaders may also appear at the Capitol on 20th January. According to CBS, one potential attendee is the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who visited Trump this week at Mar-a-Lago. However, his attendance is not confirmed, as he is "still considering" whether to attend Trump's inauguration.
This hasn't happened since 1874
"World leaders are lining up to meet with President Trump because they know he will soon return to power and restore peace through American strength around the globe," stated Trump's spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt.
If foreign leaders attend Trump's inauguration, it will be historic. CBS reminds us that data from the State Department, dating back to 1874, indicates that while ambassadors and other diplomats are typically invited to inaugurations, no foreign president or prime minister has ever participated in the power transfer ceremony.
