Xi Jinping unlikely to attend US Presidential inauguration despite Trump invite

Chinese President Xi Jinping is unlikely to attend the U.S. presidential inauguration in January, despite receiving an invitation from President-elect Donald Trump, according to sources familiar with the planning. While the invitation marks a notable diplomatic gesture, the Chinese leader is not expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony on January 20, 2025. However, China’s Ambassador to the United States, along with other Chinese officials, is expected to be present, the sources told CBS News.

Trump’s invitation to Xi stands out as a rare instance in U.S. history, as foreign leaders have traditionally not attended U.S. presidential inaugurations. This break from precedent is being seen as part of Trump’s broader strategy to engage with global leaders, including those from countries that are seen as both competitors and adversaries of the U.S., such as China. Trump’s spokeswoman, Karoline Leavitt, defended the invitation as part of an effort to maintain an “open dialogue” with leaders worldwide, irrespective of their country’s relationship with the U.S.

“President Trump is creating an open dialogue with leaders of countries that are not just allies but our adversaries and our competitors too,” Leavitt told Fox News.

Despite praising Xi’s leadership at times, Trump has also been a fierce critic of China. He has promised to significantly increase tariffs on Chinese imports once he assumes office. In October, Trump commented on Xi’s rule during a podcast with Joe Rogan, saying, “He controls 1.4 billion people with an iron fist. I mean, he’s a brilliant guy, whether you like it or not.”

The Trump administration has had a contentious relationship with China, particularly over trade issues and national security concerns. Some of Trump’s key appointees, such as Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio and national security adviser Mike Waltz, have been vocal critics of the Chinese government. Rubio, who has been sanctioned by China, was banned from entering the country in 2020, while Waltz has urged the U.S. to focus more on countering China’s influence rather than engaging in conflicts in Ukraine or the Middle East.

In addition to the invitation to Xi, Trump has also extended invites to other foreign leaders, though specifics on which countries have been invited remain unclear. Traditionally, foreign leaders attend the inauguration in their diplomatic roles, but records dating back to 1874 indicate no foreign head of state has ever participated in the ceremony itself.