President-elect Donald Trump has extended an invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend his inauguration on January 20, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
If accepted, this would mark the first time a foreign leader has attended a U.S. presidential inauguration, making it a significant development in diplomatic protocol.
The report, first published by CBS News, cites multiple sources confirming that inauguration officials are preparing for the possibility of additional foreign dignitaries attending the swearing-in ceremony. While Xi’s acceptance of the invitation remains unconfirmed, the move highlights Trump’s strategic approach to global relations as he prepares to assume office.
“World leaders are lining up to meet with President Trump because they know he will soon return to power and restore peace through American strength around the globe,” said Karoline Leavitt, a key member of Trump’s transition team and the incoming administration’s press secretary.
Trump extended the invitation shortly after his victory over Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. While the Chinese Embassy has not yet commented on the invitation, the gesture underscores the importance of U.S.-China relations in the global political landscape.
This outreach comes at a time when Trump has made clear his intention to adopt a more aggressive stance on China. Throughout his campaign, he emphasized plans to address trade imbalances, increase tariffs on Chinese exports, and reduce U.S. dependence on Chinese manufacturing. The invitation to Xi may represent an effort to maintain open lines of communication even as Trump pursues these policies.
In a recent interview on Meet the Press, Trump was asked about his relationship with Xi. He acknowledged, “We’ve had a communication,” but declined to elaborate on the specifics of their discussion. The last in-person meeting between Trump and Xi occurred during the 2019 G20 summit in Japan, a time when U.S.-China tensions were similarly high over trade and economic issues.
The invitation to Xi could signal Trump’s attempt to reset the tone of U.S.-China relations as he prepares to enter his second term. While his administration is expected to take a hardline approach on several issues, the gesture suggests a willingness to engage diplomatically, even with nations where conflicts of interest are prominent.
If Xi were to attend, it would be an unprecedented event, highlighting the global importance of U.S.-China relations. Such a move could serve as a symbol of mutual acknowledgment, even amid tensions over trade policies, geopolitical influence, and military competition.
The invitation also reflects Trump’s understanding of the broader strategic importance of engaging with China. While he has vowed to challenge Beijing on trade and security matters, the invitation may provide an early opportunity to set the tone for the relationship between the two superpowers during his presidency.
As the January 20 inauguration approaches, the world will watch closely to see whether Xi accepts the invitation and how this development influences the trajectory of U.S.-China relations in the coming years.