According to journalists from the newspaper, among those invited to the inauguration is former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who was accused of attempting a coup d'état following his defeat in the 2022 elections and who likely planned the assassination of current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva before he took office in 2023.
Trump also extended an invitation to Chinese leader Xi Jinping, whom he referred to as a "strong man," "the king who controls 1.4 billion people with an iron fist," and "lifetime president." However, for the inauguration, the Chinese leader intends to send a delegation on his behalf. The newspaper describes this move by Trump as "unprecedented," given that China is one of America's main geopolitical rivals.
Argentinian President Javier Milei also received an invitation, whom the American politician reportedly calls his "favorite president." Like Trump, Milei labels his political opponents as "parasites," "thieving politicians," and refers to the Argentine Congress as a "rat's nest."
Additionally, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele has been invited, who is accused of widespread human rights violations, according to media reports. Bukele was re-elected for a second term despite a ban on doing so. He has not yet confirmed his attendance at the inauguration, notes USA Today.
Journalists also mention Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has been accused of undermining democracy, weakening the judicial system in the country, and significant increases in corruption. Orbán is currently "pondering" his attendance at the inauguration, the publication reports.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has also been invited; she visited Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residence last week. Trump calls Meloni a "fantastic woman." As reported by the media, Meloni is against LGBT rights, and her party's flag, "Brothers of Italy," features a tricolor flame reminiscent of that popularized by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini.
According to USA Today, it remains unclear whether Trump has invited the illegitimate president of the aggressor state Russia, Vladimir Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to the inauguration.