Staff Reports
Donald Trump has extended an olive branch—or perhaps a plate of golden fries—to Chinese President Xi Jinping, inviting him to his inauguration in January. The invitation, which may sound more like a Hallmark card than a diplomatic gesture, arrived right after Trump clinched victory in the November 5 election. Alas, as with many things in politics, whether Xi will actually show up remains a mystery best left to the fortune tellers.
In a move to further bolster relations with foreign powers, Trump’s team has also hinted at hosting other notable leaders during the inauguration festivities. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán of Hungary, known for his “make Hungary great again” policies, appears to be on the guest list. Orbán recently made an appearance at Mar-a-Lago, and while he is reportedly “still considering” his attendance, one can almost hear the ticking of the clock as he evaluates his best move in this high-stakes game.
Historical precedence suggests that having a foreign leader at an American inauguration is about as common as seeing Sasquatch—State Department records dating back to 1874 indicate that it has never happened. The fact that Trump’s team is raising expectations for such an unprecedented event shows their willingness to shake up the status quo, much like a toddler with a bowl of spaghetti.
Despite this warm invitation, some members of Trump’s inner circle, including Sen. Marco Rubio (the anticipated Secretary of State), have eyes as sharp as razors when it comes to Xi’s leadership. And then there’s the little matter of tariffs and trade restrictions. Trump has made it clear that he is ready to hit the Chinese economy where it hurts, particularly with a deadline looming for TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to divest or face a full-on ban. While TikTok flexes its legal muscles in a court battle, the clock keeps ticking—an intriguing drama worth watching.
Trump Reportedly Invites Chinese Leader to Inauguration
https://t.co/jauVnfCY69— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) December 12, 2024
However, Trump’s belief in the value of strong, personal relationships among world leaders remains unshaken, even as he prepares to wield the tariff hammer. Leaders from around the globe seem to be eager to get in line, with figures like Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also showing up for some meet-and-greet time at Mar-a-Lago. According to Trump’s transition spokesperson, world leaders are lining up because they recognize that Trump’s blend of American strength and straightforward negotiation tactics will restore global peace without the need for a history lecture.
Rumors abound that Trump has rekindled a cordial relationship with Xi, claiming they “got along very well.” With a little luck and a whole lot of power on his side, perhaps Trump will manage to play the diplomatic game like a pro, turning diplomatic protocol on its head. If nothing else, the upcoming inauguration promises to be a spectacle, whether it turns into a Chinese banquet or a Western shindig remains to be seen.
