Former President Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil recently shared on social media that his lawyer has submitted a request to have his passport returned in order to attend an important historical event. Bolsonaro, known as the “Trump of the Tropics,” is facing accusations of plotting a coup in 2022 to remain in power after losing reelection. His passport was seized in February 2024 following indictments by Brazilian authorities for his alleged involvement in a conspiracy to disrupt the constitutional state, which included plans to harm the current president before his inauguration.
President Xi Jinping of China has been invited by former President Trump to an event but has opted to send a delegation instead of attending personally. Trump has praised Xi as a strong leader who controls a vast population with a firm hand, expressing admiration for his extended term in office. The invitation to Xi is noteworthy given the geopolitical tensions between the two countries.
President Javier Milei of Argentina, who Trump has referred to as his favorite president, is reportedly planning to attend the event. Milei, a far-right libertarian figure, shares Trump’s views on fiscal policies and is known for his confrontational rhetoric towards political opponents.
President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador, a populist leader with connections to Trump, has faced criticism for alleged human rights abuses and controversial electoral reforms to consolidate his authority. Bukele has not confirmed his attendance at the event.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary, a key ally of Trump, is still deliberating on attending the event. Orban has been accused of eroding democracy and increasing corruption in Hungary during his tenure as president.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy, invited by Trump to previous events, has been praised by Trump as a remarkable figure in European politics. Meloni holds conservative views on social issues like LGBT+ rights and abortion.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has pledged to establish naval blockades in order to impede the influx of migrants seeking to reach European shores. Notably, her party’s flag prominently displays a tricolor flame that was popularized by the dictator Benito Mussolini, while she continues to employ a slogan embraced by fascists – “God, Fatherland, and family.”
In a recent development, Prime Minister Geogia Meloni met with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump at the luxurious Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida. The meeting was also attended by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and U.S. Representative Michael Waltz (R-FL) on January 4, 2025. It is worth noting that there were two notable far-right leaders who were reportedly not invited to attend Trump’s inauguration ceremony: Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un.
This article was originally featured on USA TODAY, raising questions about President Trump’s affinity for strongmen and populist leaders and providing insights into the guest list for his upcoming inauguration event.
