As the country braces for President-elect Donald J. Trump’s second inauguration on 20 January, the guest list for the event has stirred up considerable attention. A mix of billionaires, world leaders, business magnates, celebrities, and former US presidents will be in attendance, although some key figures are notably absent from the proceedings. The inauguration has been moved indoors due to forecasts of extreme cold, and with only limited seating in the Capitol Rotunda – a venue that seats approximately 600 – the list of attendees is both exclusive and intriguing. In this article, we explore the high-profile figures set to attend, as well as those who are choosing to skip the event.

The billionaires and business tycoons

Among the most prominent figures attending the inauguration are some of the richest men in the world. Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos – three tech moguls who have redefined industries in the 21st century – are expected to sit in honor on the dais. The inclusion of these business giants highlights Trump’s long-standing ties to Silicon Valley and the business community at large. Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been a frequent Trump ally, while Zuckerberg, the Facebook founder, and Bezos, the Amazon magnate, have more complicated relationships with the president, particularly in light of past clashes over issues like tech regulation and the broader role of big business in politics.

Additionally, Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, and Shou Chew, the CEO of the embattled social media app TikTok, were also invited to sit on the dais. The appearance of these tech and business leaders underscores the close connections between Silicon Valley’s elite and Trump’s political base, who are expected to play a significant role in the administration’s economic agenda during the second term.

For these billionaires, the inauguration is not just a ceremonial occasion, but also a high-profile networking opportunity. Many of them, especially the ones invited to sit near the president-elect, have previously contributed large sums to Trump’s inaugural committee or various political action committees. Reports indicate that some businesspeople had already made contributions as high as $1 million for the chance to receive exclusive access to the inauguration and surrounding events, even before the venue change to the Capitol Rotunda limited their seating options.

World leaders and diplomats

In addition to American business leaders, several international dignitaries are set to attend the inauguration. Notably, China’s vice president, Han Zheng, will be present on behalf of Chinese President Xi Jinping, who was initially invited but, according to sources, will not be attending. Zheng’s presence signals the continued importance of US-China relations under the Trump administration, as well as Beijing’s recognition of Trump’s place in global politics.

From Latin America, Javier Milei, the right-wing populist president of Argentina, is expected to attend. Milei, who has made waves in his home country with his unorthodox economic policies, shares Trump’s approach to economic nationalism and deregulation. His attendance at the inauguration could be seen as a reflection of the ongoing ideological alignment between the two leaders.

Brazil’s former president, Jair Bolsonaro, had originally planned to attend but was denied permission to travel after Brazilian authorities seized his passport. Bolsonaro’s absence is a striking contrast to the strong camaraderie he shares with Trump, as both leaders were aligned in their conservative, nationalist policies during Bolsonaro’s presidency.

From Europe, Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s far-right prime minister, has confirmed her attendance. Meloni’s policies, which echo Trump’s populist rhetoric, have won her support among conservative leaders worldwide, making her appearance a sign of solidarity with the incoming administration. Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban, another leader whose policies align closely with Trump’s, was also invited but has declined to attend, underscoring the selective nature of international participation in the event.

Additionally, key representatives from US allies in the Asia-Pacific region will also be attending. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar of India, Foreign Minister Penny Wong of Australia, and Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya of Japan will all be present. The presence of these diplomats reinforces Trump’s ongoing efforts to maintain strong bilateral relationships with key nations in the Indo-Pacific region, an area of increasing geopolitical importance.

Former US Presidents and Vice Presidents

A number of prominent former US leaders will also make their way to the Capitol Rotunda for the swearing-in ceremony. Former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton are all expected to attend. This marks a rare instance of multiple former presidents coming together for a political event, despite their differing political ideologies. However, unlike previous inaugurations, these former leaders will not be attending the customary lunch with the president-elect.

Former Vice President Mike Pence will also attend, as is customary for all former vice presidents. Pence, who served alongside Trump in the first term, remains a key figure in the Republican Party and his presence further symbolizes the continuity of Trump’s political influence.

Celebrity guests

Trump’s second inauguration will also feature a number of high-profile celebrities, many of whom have previously expressed their support for the president. Country music star Carrie Underwood is slated to perform “America the Beautiful” at the inauguration, providing a patriotic soundtrack for the proceedings. The singer has frequently shown her alignment with conservative causes and is expected to add an air of entertainment to the event.

Victor Willis, the last surviving founding member of the Village People, has also accepted an invitation to participate. The band’s iconic anthem “Y.M.C.A.” has become a staple at Trump rallies, and Willis’s participation in the inauguration represents the continued presence of music and pop culture at Trump’s political gatherings.

Several athletes will attend as well, including football player Antonio Brown, boxer Mike Tyson, and martial artist Jorge Masvidal. These figures, who often occupy high-profile positions in American culture, underscore Trump’s appeal across different sectors of the public sphere.

Musicians Anuel AA, Justin Quiles, Rod Wave, Kodak Black, and Fivio Foreign will also be present, bringing a diverse array of musical genres and tastes to the inauguration. Their participation highlights the broad spectrum of celebrity involvement in Trump’s inauguration, encompassing both mainstream and niche figures from the entertainment industry.

Notable absences

While many high-profile figures are set to attend, some prominent Democrats have announced their decision to skip the event. First and foremost among them is Michelle Obama, the former first lady. While her husband, President Obama, will be in attendance, Michelle Obama’s absence has raised eyebrows. The official reason for her absence has not been specified, but it is notable that she also skipped the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter earlier this month, despite the presence of every other living former president and first lady.

Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, who had a tumultuous relationship with Trump during his first term, will also be absent from the inauguration. Pelosi, who is still recovering from a recent hip replacement surgery, has opted not to attend, though her absence could also be viewed as a reflection of the long-standing political animosity between her and Trump.

Several Democratic members of Congress are also skipping the event, including Representatives Adam Smith, Judy Chu, Delia Ramirez, Donald Beyer Jr., Steve Cohen, Jasmine Crockett, Ilhan Omar, and Veronica Escobar. This marks a continuation of the political divide that has characterized Trump’s presidency, with many members of the Democratic Party choosing not to engage with the incoming administration.

The guest list for President-elect Trump’s second inauguration is a reflection of both his political alliances and the polarized nature of American politics. With a mix of billionaires, world leaders, celebrities, and former presidents in attendance, the event promises to be a spectacle of political and cultural significance. However, the notable absences-particularly among Democrats and prominent public figures-highlight the deep divisions that continue to shape the nation’s political landscape. As the inauguration ceremony unfolds, all eyes will be on both the attendees and the conspicuous no-shows, as the future of American politics begins a new chapter under Donald Trump’s leadership.

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