Global leaders join the show as Trump promises US domination

Several foreign heads of state and government, from Ecuador to Italy , were among the guests at President Donald Trump ’s inauguration Monday .

The foreigners’ presence at a ceremony honoring the new U.S. leader underscored how much Trump has dashed American norms both domestically and globally.

It suggested that many foreign leaders see a useful strategy in showing personal deference to Trump to stay in the good graces of the world's most powerful country.

Argentina 's Javier Milei and Italy 's Giorgia Meloni sat in the special group behind Trump during the ceremony.

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and Australia ’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong also were present. The three countries’ diplomats are scheduled to meet with Trump administration officials this week as part of the Quad alliance. Other prominent political figures from abroad also showed up. Many of them, such as British Brexit champion Nigel Farage , hailed from populist and conservative parties. Over the weekend , Farage posted a photo from what appeared to be a Trump rally. “We are so back,” Farage wrote. Veronika Melkozerova and Robbie Gramer contributed to this report..