Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, has not received an invitation to President-elect Donald Trump's January 20 inauguration, according to statements from the Kremlin. Dmitry Peskov, Putin's spokesperson, confirmed on Thursday that Trump "didn't send an invitation" to the Russian leader, as reported by Russian news agency TASS.
While Putin remains absent from the guest list, Trump has extended an invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to sources cited by CBS News. However, it is unclear whether Xi will attend. Trump's transition team has also reportedly considered inviting other world leaders, including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Incoming press secretary Karoline Leavitt acknowledged the invitation to Xi Jinping but emphasized that such outreach reflects Trump's approach to fostering dialogue with both allies and competitors. "This is an example of President Trump creating an open dialogue with leaders of countries that are not just our allies, but our adversaries and our competitors too," Leavitt said in an interview with Fox News.
She added, "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."
This unprecedented diplomatic gesture comes as the Biden administration accelerates efforts to provide military aid to Ukraine and manage the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict before Trump's inauguration. Trump, who has previously emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, has suggested that U.S. military aid to Kyiv could be reduced during his administration.
The exclusion of Putin from the ceremony marks a notable deviation from expectations, especially given Trump's history of engaging with the Russian president during his first term. Peskov indicated that communication between Putin and Trump remains possible before the inauguration.
Meanwhile, the event itself is drawing unusual attention, including reports that Russell Taylor, a participant in the January 6 Capitol riots, has requested court permission to attend the inauguration. Taylor, currently under house arrest, received an invitation from retired Representative Chris Stewart and three other members of Utah's congressional delegation.
Stewart, in a letter to a Washington D.C. judge, described Taylor as "a man of integrity and faith" while confirming the invitation. The request has garnered significant scrutiny, reflecting the politically charged atmosphere surrounding Trump's return to power.
Adding to the intrigue, Mark Zuckerberg's Meta reportedly donated $1 million to Trump's inauguration fund. The contribution follows a period of tension between Trump and the Facebook founder, with Trump previously threatening legal action against Zuckerberg. The donation has been interpreted as an effort by Meta to rebuild relations with the incoming administration.
