Chinese President Xi Jinping has reportedly declined Donald Trump’s invitation to attend the upcoming U.S. presidential inauguration, marking what would have been an unprecedented event in American history.
The refusal, reported by CBS News, comes as a setback for Trump, who had planned a groundbreaking January 20 swearing-in ceremony to celebrate his return to the White House. No foreign head of state has ever attended a U.S. presidential inauguration, according to State Department records.
In addition to Xi, Trump extended invitations to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Argentine President Javier Milei, and El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, aiming to turn the inauguration into a global spectacle. So far, no reason has been provided for Xi’s decision to decline the invitation, which was reportedly sent shortly after Trump’s 2024 election victory.
Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for Trump, framed the invitation as part of his broader effort to foster dialogue with both allies and rivals. “This is an example of President Trump creating an open dialogue with leaders of countries that are not just allies but also adversaries and competitors,” Leavitt told Fox News on Thursday.
Although Trump has previously touted his “good relationship” with Xi, his new term begins amid tensions over trade policy. During his campaign, Trump proposed punitive tariffs on Chinese goods, sparking concerns over a potential trade war. In response, reports suggest China may preemptively impose its own tariffs in an attempt to force Trump to negotiate on their terms.
This development adds uncertainty to the already fraught U.S.-China relationship as Trump’s presidency resumes.
