Donald Trump's inauguration as the 47th president of the United States, scheduled for January 20, 2025, has raised eyebrows by selectively inviting right-wing leaders, including Argentine President Javier Milei. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was not invited, in keeping with the tradition of not inviting foreign leaders. Jair Bolsonaro tried to get his passport back to attend, but the Supreme Court denied him, citing flight risk.
In one of the most anticipated events in international politics, Donald Trump will take office for his second term as President of the United States on January 20, 2025.
His inauguration, in addition to being a historic milestone, attracts worldwide attention for decisions that challenge traditional protocols and have significant implications for international relations.
Among them are selective invitations to foreign leaders, which included only figures aligned with their political ideology, while others, such as Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, were left out.
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Select guests and political strategy
Breaking with tradition of not inviting foreign heads of state to presidential inaugurations, Trump took a novel approach in 2025.
Among the confirmed international leaders are Javier Milei, president of Argentina, famous for his ultra-liberal stance, and Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy, who shares conservative ideals with Trump.
Nayib Bukele, president of El Salvador, and Daniel Noboa of Ecuador were also invited, reinforcing Trump's predilection for right-wing leaders.
This careful selection of guests signals a strategy of strengthening ties with ideologically aligned governments, while excluding leaders whose policies diverge from their vision.
According to analysts, the choice reflects Trump's desire to build an international coalition with conservative and pro-market values, prioritizing strategic interests aligned with his administration.
Lula's exclusion and its diplomatic impact
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, president of Brazil, was not invited to the ceremony, a decision that generated repercussions on the diplomatic scene.
Traditionally, the United States does not send formal invitations to foreign leaders for presidential inaugurations, except in rare exceptions.
However, the inclusion of some leaders in this specific event highlights the exclusion of the Brazilian head of state.
Experts believe that Lula's absence from the guest list could indicate diplomatic tensions between the two nations, especially after conflicting public statements between the two presidents on issues such as the environment, democracy and the global economy.
Trump's decision reinforces the challenges that Brazil may face in maintaining friendly and productive relations with the United States during this new government.
Jair Bolsonaro: failed attempt to appear
While Lula was not invited, the former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro claimed to have received an invitation to Trump's inauguration.
However, his attempt to attend the event was blocked by the Federal Supreme Court (STF).
Bolsonaro had requested the return of his passport, which had been withheld since February 2024 due to investigations related to an alleged coup attempt.
The request was denied by Minister Alexandre de Moraes, who justified the decision based on the risk of the former president fleeing.
Moraes also highlighted that Bolsonaro does not hold an official position that would justify his presence at the event and that the invitation presented had no formal proof.
The refusal highlights the legal difficulties faced by the former president and his search for international political prominence, even in the face of restrictions imposed by the Brazilian justice system.
Brazilian representation guaranteed by ambassador
Despite the controversies involving Lula and Bolsonaro, Brazil will be represented at Trump's inauguration by Ambassador Maria Luiza Viotti, head of the Brazilian diplomatic mission in Washington.
This practice follows the usual protocol, ensuring that the country maintains an institutional presence at international events, even in the absence of its head of state.
Viotti's participation reinforces Brazil's commitment to preserving its diplomatic relations with the United States, regardless of political circumstances that may directly affect both governments.
Implications for Brazilian foreign policy
Lula's absence and Bolsonaro's failed attempt to attend Trump's inauguration have significant implications for Brazilian foreign policy.
The event highlights Brazil's challenge in navigating complex global diplomatic dynamics in a scenario marked by ideological polarization.
Experts point out that the new Trump administration should prioritize alliances with conservative governments, which may require adjustments to Brazil's diplomatic strategy to ensure a balanced and beneficial relationship with the United States.
This dynamic highlights the importance of a pragmatic foreign policy, capable of overcoming ideological differences and promoting national interests.
Global Challenges and the Role of the US Under Trump
Trump's inauguration comes at a critical time for the international scene, with challenges such as the war in Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East and climate change demanding urgent attention.
The new government's stance on these issues should directly influence global geopolitics.
With his “America First” policy, Trump is likely to pursue a more isolationist approach, prioritizing domestic interests over multilateral commitments.
This change could impact not only allied countries, but also strategic adversaries, redefining the role of the United States as a global leader.
Final considerations
Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony in 2025 is not just a protocol event, but also an indication of the priorities and guidelines that will guide his administration in the coming years.
The selective choice of guests, combined with the exclusion of leaders like Lula, reflects a calculated political strategy, with possible repercussions for global diplomacy.
Meanwhile, Brazil faces the challenge of adjusting its foreign policy to a changing international context, reaffirming its position on the global stage and promoting its interests in a strategic manner.
The event therefore symbolizes not only the beginning of a new presidential term in the United States, but also the complexity of international relations in an increasingly polarized world.
Do you think Trump’s second term will have a significant impact on international alliances? Leave your opinion in the comments!