Ahead of his swearing-in as the 47th President of the United States, President-elect Donald Trump, accompanied by his wife Melania, made a quiet visit to St. John’s Episcopal Church in Washington’s Lafayette Square for a morning service. The occasion offered a moment of reflection for the couple before the historic transition of power.
Donald Trump’s upcoming swearing-in ceremony as the 47th President of the United States will see a range of high-profile attendees from across the globe. Among the notable figures is Joe Biden, who confirmed his attendance, dismissing any prior speculation about a rift between him and Trump. Biden had notably skipped Trump’s 2017 inauguration, becoming the first sitting president to do so in over 150 years. Former U.S. Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush are also expected at the event, though they, along with former First Lady Hillary Clinton, have declined invitations to the traditional inaugural luncheon. Vice President Mike Pence will also be present for the ceremony.
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BREAKING: President-elect Trump and VP-elect J.D. Vance have kicked off Inauguration Day by attending a traditional prayer service at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C.
Finally we have an administration that puts God first again. pic.twitter.com/zcTJEs0XwA
— Jack (@jackunheard) January 20, 2025
International Leaders Show Support and Diplomacy
While several global leaders are expected to attend, China’s participation stands out. Despite strained relations between Washington and Beijing, President Xi Jinping was personally invited by Trump, although he later confirmed that Vice President Han Zheng would represent China at the event. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Argentina’s President Javier Milei are among the international leaders planning to attend, with Meloni expressing her eagerness to participate. Other key figures include El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele and Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who remains undecided on attending. Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro is also in the process of reclaiming his passport to attend the event.
India’s Representation at the Inauguration
India will be represented by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at Donald Trump’s inauguration. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed Jaishankar’s attendance, highlighting his role in meeting with members of the incoming administration and other dignitaries at the event. The MEA added that Jaishankar’s participation signifies the ongoing diplomatic engagement between the United States and India as the two countries continue to strengthen their ties under the Trump administration.
