Who Will Attend Trump’s Inauguration? Nobel Laureate Yunus Not Invited

International Desk

Donald Trump, 79, will take the oath as the 47th President of the United States on Monday at the Capitol Hill Rotunda in Washington, D.C. This marks his return to the same Capitol where he left under controversy following the January 6, 2021, riots.

The inauguration event has invited prominent global figures, including the world’s top three billionaires, high-ranking international officials, tech giants, former presidents, and numerous celebrities. Initially planned to take place outdoors, the event was moved indoors to the Capitol Rotunda due to severe winter forecasts.

Invited tech magnates include Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Apple CEO Tim Cook, and TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew. Competition for seats among major donors was intense, with some who contributed $1 million to the inaugural committee unable to secure direct access. The committee raised $170 million for the event, primarily from business interests.

Breaking with tradition, foreign leaders will attend in person. Chinese Vice President Han Zheng will represent President Xi Jinping, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar will also be present. Leaders from the Americas include Argentine President Javier Milei, although Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro could not attend due to legal restrictions. Other notable figures include Nigel Farage of the UK’s Reform Party and Eric Zemmour of France.

Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton will attend, but they will skip the traditional luncheon. Trump’s former Vice President, Mike Pence, is also expected to participate.

Performers include singer Carrie Underwood and band members of Village People. Athletes such as Antonio Brown, Mike Tyson, Jorge Masvidal, and Evander Kane will also attend, alongside musicians Anuel AA, Justin Quiles, and Rod Wave.

Despite his reputation as a close U.S. ally, Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus did not receive an invitation. Known for his strong support of Democrats, Yunus previously donated $13 million to Hillary Clinton’s campaign and has been vocal in criticizing Trump.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not attend, though Barack Obama will be present. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, recovering from a recent injury, will also be absent. Several Democratic members of Congress, including Ilhan Omar and Veronica Escobar, have announced their boycott of the event.

The day will begin with a prayer at St. John’s Episcopal Church, followed by a tea gathering at the White House. The main inauguration ceremony at Capitol Hill will include Trump’s oath-taking and address. Events will conclude with a parade along Pennsylvania Avenue and a traditional ball celebrating the occasion.