Making the cut as Trump assumes power – POLITICO

The best of POLITICO’s coverage selected by Deputy Editor-in-Chief Kate Day.

By KATE DAY

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Dear readers,

Sometimes it matters who has a seat at the table. Sometimes the weather intervenes and even those who might have thought they made the cut end up disappointed.

Our reporters across Europe this week dug into the guest list for President Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration and discovered a fascinating who’s who of right-wing populists. The piece offers a tantalizing glimpse of who may have the president’s ear, still well-worth familiarizing yourself with despite the disappointment of many on the list who presumably now won’t get to go as the ceremony is moved indoors. Who knew American politics faced the same headaches as Wimbledon.

Trump himself has a packed weekend, including a MAGA victory rally, inaugural balls and a firework celebration.

I, on the other hand, have an equally packed weekend though minus the receptions, golf clubs and rallies. Instead, I’m hosting a unicorn-themed 4^th birthday party. You’ll be happy to hear that this Londoner never dreamed of hosting an event al fresco in January.

However you spend it, I wish you a very happy weekend. Please enjoy the selection below at your leisure — a reflection of some of the conversations behind the curtains of power that we have tuned into this week.

All best wishes,

Kate

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Who’s been invited? World’s far-right populists pack guest list for Trump’s inauguration

This transatlantic collaboration compiles all the invites — and conspicuous non-invites — to Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday, as he lays down a clear ideological marker with his unusual guest list. As the authors write, “This is, after all, an event for those who played the game.” Read the story.

Trump was ‘the closer’ on Gaza cease-fire deal

POLITICO Opinion Editor Jamie Dettmer spoke to Trump’s former strategist Steve Bannon and a senior Israeli official who agreed it was pressure from Trump that pushed Benjamin Netanyahu to accept a cease-fire-for-hostages deal between Israel and Hamas. Read the story.

European Parliament finally devises plan to force lawmakers to actually turn up

Our scoop on the European Parliament’s pilot scheme to make lawmakers show face speaks to the health of democracy in the Brussels bubble — and potentially signals shakeups in store. Read the story.

Commission approves new Bank of America role for EU’s Musk nemesis Breton

“How is this not a lobbying gig?” asked a Green MEP. EU politics is no stranger to revolving doors and this POLITICO scoop would appear to raise questions, even if no rules have been broken. Breton told us his new position — while paid — was merely “advisory.” Read the story.

Police probe drink ‘spiking’ incident in UK parliament bar

Another depressingly familiar tale from the U.K. which revealed a parliamentary researcher had reported her drink being spiked, prompting a police investigation. It prompted warnings from U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer to MPs about leaving their drinks unattended while voting. Read the story.

How Saudi Arabia become the world’s plastic cheerleader

Saudi Arabia has become the ringleader for a group of nations blocking a global treaty to end plastic pollution. The reason? Plastic is a bastion of growing oil demand. Read the story.

Europe’s urban air quality is killing you. Blame gas-guzzling vehicles.

The EU prides itself on its green regulation, but attempts to tackle air pollution are failing, leading to a quarter of a million deaths a year. Read the story.

YOUR WEEKEND PLAYLIST

EU Confidential: Who’s in charge? What von der Leyen’s absence reveals about the EU

While the president of the European Commission was secretly in the hospital, the next president of the United States was musing about invading Greenland. Ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration, EU Confidential host Sarah Wheaton was joined by POLITICO editor-at-large Nicholas Vinocur, defense reporter Laura Kayali and trade reporter Koen Verhelst to analyze why Europe seems to be paralyzed in the face of looming trade wars, Arctic gamesmanship and the rise of populists in countries around the bloc. Listen to the episode.

Westminster Insider

Westminster Insider is on a break, but our episodes are not time-sensitive: Have a listen to our catalog here or via the links below.

Power Play: The UN funding crisis: Tough choices on Ukraine and Gaza

The war in Ukraine is about to enter its fourth year. Will the incoming administration in Washington bring it to an end — and what will that mean for the millions of refugees inside the war-torn country and the territories Russia occupies?

Host Anne McElvoy talks to Tom Fletcher, United Nations  undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, who has been in Ukraine to survey the toll the conflict has taken on the Ukrainian people and its infrastructure.

They also discuss the huge task facing the U.N. following a cease-fire in Gaza. As a former senior foreign policy adviser to three British prime ministers — Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and David Cameron — Fletcher has advice for Peter Mandelson, who is about to become Britain’s next ambassador to the United States, on how to handle Donald Trump. Listen to the episode.

DECLASSIFIED

As the world continues down the path of chaotic politics, we can always count on Ireland to cheer us up and restore our faith in humanity. Read this week’s Declassified column.

Caption competition

“I gotta go catch my flight to Trump’s inauguration, wanna be my plus one?”

Can you do better?  Email us at [email protected] or get in touch on X @POLITICOEurope.

Last week we gave you this photo:

Thanks for all the entries. Here’s the best from our postbag — there’s no prize except for the gift of laughter, which I think we can all agree is far more valuable than cash or booze.

“Father, as you challenged me to the duel, I pick the umbrella as my weapon.” by Anna Holmén.

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