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Next Monday, January 20, Donald Trump will once again take office as the president of the United States in a ceremony that has sparked a wave of comments due to the unusual invitations extended to various international political leaders, including Santiago Abascal, president of the Spanish party Vox. Contrary to what is customary in such ceremonies in the United States, where ambassadors typically represent their countries, Trump has chosen to invite prominent figures with whom he shares ideological closeness, as a demonstration of his support and affinity.
Among the guests are notable figures such as the Hungarian Viktor Orbán, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Argentine President Javier Milei, and Salvadoran Nayib Bukele. However, the absence of an invitation for the Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has sparked controversy and speculation about Trump's intentions in choosing to include Abascal in the list of attendees. The Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, has stated that "Trump is free to invite whomever he wishes," reaffirming that Spain will be officially represented by Ambassador Ángeles Moreno Bau.
Abascal will attend the event in his capacity as president of Patriots for Europe, a political group he belongs to along with far-right allied parties, such as Orbán's Fidesz and Marine Le Pen's National Rally. In recent statements, Abascal defended the magnate Elon Musk and expressed his support for parties like Alternative for Germany (AfD), which currently enjoys significant backing in the polls.
The event will take place on a stage with maximum security measures, featuring an unprecedented deployment that includes the participation of 25,000 agents and members of the National Guard, as well as over 30 miles of anti-scaling fences around the National Mall and the Capitol. Matt McCool, a special agent of the Secret Service, has confirmed that they are facing "a heightened threat environment" compared to the last inauguration in 2021, warning about potential attack attempts by "lone wolves."
On her part, the chief of the DC Police, Pamela Smith, has confirmed that the department will work alongside an additional 4,000 officers to ensure order during the inaugural events. At the same time, authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant, even though no specific threats have been detected.
Technological security will also be at the heart of the operation, with detailed monitoring of the transport system and the establishment of two main command posts by the FBI to ensure that the ceremony proceeds without incident. Trump's inauguration is expected to be a large-scale event, attended by hundreds of thousands of people and high-profile political figures.
Frequently Asked Questions about Trump's Inauguration and International Relations
Why was Santiago Abascal invited to Donald Trump's inauguration?
Santiago Abascal was invited to Trump’s inauguration due to his ideological closeness to the former U.S. president. Trump has chosen to invite international political leaders with whom he shares political affinities rather than traditional diplomatic representatives, as a way to show support for his ideas. Abascal, leader of the Spanish party Vox, is known for his ideological alignment with far-right movements similar to Trump's.
What security measures will be implemented for Trump's inauguration?
An unprecedented security operation will be implemented, which includes the participation of 25,000 agents and members of the National Guard, as well as over 30 miles of anti-climb fences. The United States Secret Service, along with the DC Police, has warned of a "higher threat environment" and has taken additional measures to prevent possible attacks during the event.
How does Trump's return affect the relations between the United States and Spain?
The return of Trump to the presidency of the United States could strain relations with Spain, especially due to Trump's critical stance towards the Cuban regime and Spain's relations with Cuba. Trump's appointed ambassador to Spain, Benjamín León Jr., is tasked with pressing for Spain to adopt a more critical position towards Cuba, which could impact the economic and diplomatic interests between both countries.
Why was Pedro Sánchez not invited to Trump's inauguration?
Pedro Sánchez was not invited to Trump’s inauguration due to diplomatic tensions and ideological differences between the two leaders. Trump has chosen to invite individuals with whom he shares political affinities, excluding political figures like Sánchez, who has maintained a stance more aligned with economic diplomacy towards Cuba, which contrasts with Trump’s confrontational policy.
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