More global leaders are confirming their invitations to President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, with Argentine President Javier Milei announcing his intention to travel to Washington—a departure from the American political tradition of keeping foreign heads of state away from the transfer of power.
Milei’s spokesman, Manuel Adorni, informed reporters via text that Trump had extended the first-ever invitation to the Argentine leader. Additionally, the Salvadoran ambassador to the U.S. revealed that President Nayib Bukele has also been invited and is currently considering whether to accept.
Historically, no head of state has made an official visit to the U.S. for an inauguration ceremony.
On Monday, Trump discussed his invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping, mentioning that he had neither confirmed nor declined the invitation. When asked about other invited leaders, Trump noted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had not received an invitation, but added, If he’d like to come, I’d like to have him.
While Trump’s transition team did not provide details upon request, spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt indicated last week that the president-elect had invited various world leaders. On Monday, Trump mentioned that global leaders have been reaching out to him regarding invitations.
El Salvador’s ambassador to the U.S., Milena Mayorga, stated on a radio program that she is awaiting Bukele’s decision on the invitation, which is still being evaluated due to security considerations.
Milei was the first foreign leader to meet Trump post-election, visiting the president-elect at his Mar-a-Lago estate. The self-described “anarcho-capitalist” Milei has gained praise from notable figures such as billionaire Elon Musk and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who will oversee the newly established “Department of Government Efficiency” aimed at reducing federal employment, cutting programs, and minimizing regulations.
In his statement to journalists, Adorni noted that Trump is creating an organization similar to Milei’s new deregulation ministry in Argentina. During his campaign, Milei famously wielded a chainsaw as a symbol of his commitment to budget cuts. Since taking office, he has implemented austerity measures that have resulted in the layoffs of tens of thousands of government employees, freezes on public infrastructure projects, and wage and pension caps below inflation rates.
Despite the radical nature of some of Milei’s policies, many economists express cautious optimism that these steps may help stabilize crisis-ridden Argentina.
Milei believes that fostering strong relations between Argentina and the U.S. could facilitate a new agreement with the International Monetary Fund, alleviating some of the financial pressures associated with the billions in debt payments due next year.
