A slap in the face to Europe – EU's Von der Leyen has not received invite to Trump inauguration

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has not received an invitation to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20, a spokesperson said, Reuters reports.

Trump has broken with precedent and invited several foreign leaders to the ceremony. Historically they have not attended due to security concerns and have sent diplomats instead.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni among others have received invitations.

According to reports, Xi will not attend but will send a top-level envoy in his place.

Meanwhile European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is trying to schedule a meeting with Donald Trump in Florida ahead of the president-elect’s inauguration, according to two people familiar with the matter, Bloomberg reports.

EU officials have so far struggled to open consistent communication channels with senior counterparts in the incoming administration. Trump has complained repeatedly that Europe treats the US badly and pledged to target the EU with tariffs and go hard on it over defense spending demands.

Von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa posted identical messages saying they’re committed to strengthening the transatlantic bond.

“We look forward to a positive engagement with the incoming US Administration, based on our common values and shared interests,” they each wrote. “In a rough world, Europe and US are stronger together.”

Von der Leyen enjoyed an especially close relationship with outgoing President Joe Biden and came to the White House several times to coordinate policy on Ukraine and China. Now, officials are worried that Trump may pull back US aid to Ukraine and open communications with Russia.

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