Foreign leaders will attend a president-elect’s inauguration for the first time in American history, which will be a landmark event in the peaceful transition of power. President-elect Donald Trump invited conservative leaders like Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni and Argentine President Javier Milei, as well as Chinese President Xi Jinping, who sent his vice president as a representative. Javier Milei and Santiago Peña, the president of Paraguay, were among the officials who attended events such as the Hispanic Inaugural Ball.
Representatives from Trump’s administration attended these events, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was appointed to lead Health and Human Services, and Senator Marco Rubio, who was nominated for Secretary of State. Traditionally, foreign leaders have not attended U.S. presidential inaugurations, which have been domestic affairs. Concerns about Security and the want to highlight national sovereignty during the peaceful transition of power are the origins of this custom. As far back as 1874, no foreign leader has ever been present at a U.S. presidential inauguration, according to State Department archives.
This is seen as a demonstration of a cooperative foreign policy approach.
Apparently, this tradition is significantly broken by President-elect Donald Trump’s invitation to international leaders, such as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Chinese President Xi Jinping. This action is perceived as an attempt to demonstrate a cooperative foreign policy approach and to fortify international ties. The invitation of foreign leaders to the inauguration, according to political observers, represents a deliberate change in U.S. diplomacy, with the goal of presenting a picture of global cooperation. Trump’s foreign policy may be set by this historic action, which shows a readiness to interact directly with both allies and enemies.
Some experts, however, warn that this strategy can conflate conventional diplomatic procedures and give the impression that some foreign connections are more important than others. The appearance of far-right figures like Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy and President Javier Milei of Argentina has sparked debates on the ideological tenor of Trump’s coalitions. Based on past events and the possible continuance of his “America First” policy, Donald Trump’s presidency has conflicting ramifications for Nigeria and its people. Nigeria had difficulties under Trump’s previous administration, including being included in the 2020 travel restriction that limited the number of immigrant visas available.
Nigerian exports were indirectly impacted by Trump’s first-term.
Furthermore, Nigerians were greatly impacted by this decision, especially those who were looking to study, work, or reunite with their families in the United States. The Economy of Nigeria, which is largely dependent on remittances from its diaspora, may encounter difficulties. An important source of foreign cash, remittances to Nigeria totalled over $20 billion per year in 2023. Millions of households who depend on these money could be impacted if this influx is disrupted by stricter immigration laws or other travel restrictions. Furthermore, Nigerian students—who make up a sizable percentage of African foreign students studying in the United States—may face challenges relating to visas that impede their access to education.
There may also be a change in the U.S.-Nigerian Trade relationship. The largest economy in Africa, Nigeria, has profited from investments and trade agreements, especially in the oil and gas industry. However, Nigerian exports were indirectly impacted by Trump’s first-term emphasis on local energy independence, which decreased the import of foreign oil. Nigeria’s oil earnings may be harmed by the reintroduction of similar energy regulations, which would require the country to diversify its economy. On the political front, Nigeria’s involvement in international diplomacy may be impacted by Trump’s support for far-right ideas and his rejection of multilateral institutions.
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Under a presidency aimed at cutting foreign spending, U.S. foreign aid that funds security, health, and Education initiatives in Nigeria may be reduced. For example, in Nigeria, where HIV/AIDS programs mostly depend on such funding, talks of cutting back on contributions to global health programs like the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) during Trump’s prior administration caused alarm. Some Nigerians see Trump’s administration as a chance to redefine Bilateral Relations in spite of these obstacles. Nigerian authorities might obtain advantageous trade and Investment arrangements by taking advantage of the United States’ desire to curb China’s expansion in Africa.