As Donald Trump gears up for his second presidential inauguration on Monday, the event has evolved into one of the most highly anticipated political gatherings in Washington, with an impressive guest list featuring celebrities, foreign leaders, former presidents, and business magnates.
In stark contrast to the 2017 inauguration, where many VIPs declined their invitations and the crowd on the National Mall was historically sparse, the 2025 ceremony is shaping up to be an extravagant affair. A record $170 million has been raised to fund the inauguration, with contributions pouring in from a wide range of influential figures eager to gain favor with the president-elect.
Celebrities and Performers
Entertainment will play a central role at the inauguration, and this year’s lineup promises to be more star-studded than ever. Country music star Carrie Underwood, known for her powerhouse vocals, will headline the musical performances, while the Village People, famed for their iconic anthem YMCA, are set to return, adding a nostalgic touch to the day. Underwood’s performance is expected to captivate a wide audience, making her one of the key figures in the inauguration festivities.
Other notable musical acts include country singer Lee Greenwood and opera tenor Christopher Macchio, both of whom are favorites of the president-elect. The Legacy of Freedom Ball will also host a range of celebrities including rappers Waka Flocka Flame and Fivio Foreign, NFL star Antonio Brown, and prominent YouTube personalities such as Anton Daniels and the Cartier Family.
Hollywood will be represented by figures like Sylvester Stallone, a long-time Trump supporter. Stallone’s presence reflects the enduring relationship between Trump and certain sectors of the entertainment industry, despite his rocky relationship with others in the business.
World Leaders
Though US inaugurations are traditionally domestic events, the 2025 ceremony will see an unusual level of international representation. Argentina’s populist president, Javier Milei, who was the first foreign leader to meet with Trump after his election victory, is expected to attend. Trump has also invited El Salvador’s President Bukele and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, though neither has confirmed their attendance yet.
President Xi Jinping of China and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have both declined their invitations. However, Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro has expressed his intention to attend, contingent on the return of his passport, which is currently withheld due to an ongoing police investigation.
While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have both been invited, their attendance remains unlikely. French right-wing politician Éric Zemmour and his partner, MEP Sarah Knafo, have also been invited, reflecting Trump’s global ties with right-wing leaders.
Former US Presidents
The event will be a gathering of the most exclusive political club in the world: former US presidents. Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama have confirmed they will attend, alongside the current president, Joe Biden. This marks a stark contrast to 2021, when Trump deliberately skipped Biden’s inauguration in protest over the 2020 election results.
First Ladies will also be present, including Jill Biden and Hillary Clinton, Trump’s 2016 opponent. However, Michelle Obama will not attend, following her absence at Jimmy Carter’s funeral earlier this month. No reason has been provided for her absence.
Business Leaders
The inauguration will be a magnet for business leaders, with several billionaires expected to attend. Among the most high-profile is Elon Musk, who has already made headlines for his massive contributions to Trump’s campaign and his new role as a government efficiency tsar. Musk’s attendance is a clear sign of his close ties with the incoming administration.
Tech industry giants such as Mark Zuckerberg of Meta, Jeff Bezos of Amazon, and Sam Altman of OpenAI have also donated at least $1 million to the inauguration fund, signaling their alignment with Trump’s administration. Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, is also expected to attend, despite the tech sector’s traditionally liberal leanings.
Zuckerberg is reportedly hosting a black-tie reception on Monday evening, alongside billionaire Trump allies such as Miriam Adelson, the widow of casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, and Tilman Fertitta, the owner of the Houston Rockets.
As the nation prepares for Trump’s second term, the 2025 inauguration promises to be a spectacular, celebrity-filled event, with high-profile leaders, entertainers, and business moguls all vying for a place in the spotlight.
