Donald Trump’s second presidential inauguration is set to break with nearly 250 years of tradition. Historically, foreign leaders have not attended U.S. inaugurations, but this time, a host of right-wing global figures—many known for their anti-LGBTQ policies—have reportedly received invitations.
Among the prominent invitees are Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele. These leaders have drawn widespread criticism for their discriminatory stances. Orbán’s administration has systematically dismantled LGBTQ rights in Hungary, including banning same-sex adoption, limiting the legal recognition of transgender people, and implementing anti-LGBTQ propaganda laws. Meloni has echoed similar sentiments, denouncing “gender ideology” and opposing surrogacy and adoption rights for queer couples.
The presence of such leaders at a high-profile event like the U.S. presidential inauguration not only signals a shift in diplomatic norms but also sends a worrying message about the future of LGBTQ rights on a global scale. Critics argue that these inclusions highlight a growing alignment of far-right ideologies, threatening hard-won progress for LGBTQ communities.
For queer activists, the guest list is a stark reminder of the ongoing battle for equality. The visibility of anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and policies on such a prominent stage underscores the need for vigilance and solidarity. “This inauguration is more than just a political event,” an LGBTQ advocate commented. “It’s a statement about which voices are being amplified.”
With other controversial figures such as Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro and France’s Eric Zemmour also reportedly invited, Trump’s inauguration could become a focal point for right-wing ideologies. The implications for LGBTQ rights in the U.S. and beyond remain deeply concerning.