World Leaders React To Donald Trump’s Victory

The world is currently waiting to learn if Donald Trump’s victory as president will be as destabilizing as many US friends fear, given the US voters’ decision was more clear-cut than most commentators had anticipated.

This is how international leaders and others are responding:

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

“Congratulations on history’s greatest comeback! Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America. This is a huge victory!”

During the first term of the former president, Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Trump had a close relationship; however, Mr. Netanyahu and Donald Trump’s friendship worsened after he congratulated President Joe Biden on his victory in 2020.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky

“I appreciate President Trump’s commitment to the ‘peace through strength’ approach in global affairs. This is exactly the principle that can practically bring just peace in Ukraine closer. I am hopeful that we will put it into action together. We look forward to an era of a strong United States of America under President Trump’s decisive leadership.”

The future of US support for Ukraine’s fight against Russian invasion is one of the biggest unknowns about Mr Trump’s foreign policy.

– Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban

They threatened him with prison, they took his property, they wanted to kill him … and he still won.”

Hungary’s nationalist leader, one of Mr Trump’s most ardent foreign supporters, welcomed a result he said would have a transformative effect on the world and bring an end to the war in Ukraine.

“We have many plans that we can execute in the coming year with President Donald Trump,” said Mr Orban.

Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte

“We face a growing number of challenges globally, from a more aggressive Russia to terrorism, to strategic competition with China, as well the increasing alignment of China, Russia, North Korea and Iran. Working together through NATO helps to deter aggression, protect our collective security, and support our economies.”

Mr Trump was a strong critic of the Atlantic military alliance during his first term, accusing its other members of failing to pull their weight. Mr. Rutte praised Mr. Trump for his work persuading member states to ramp up defense spending, saying NATO was now “stronger, larger, and more united.”

– European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen

“I warmly congratulate Donald J Trump. The EU and the US are more than just allies. We are bound by a true partnership between our people, uniting 800 million citizens. Let us work together on a transatlantic partnership that continues to deliver for our citizens.”

– French President Emmanuel Macron

“Congratulations, President Donald Trump. Ready to work together as we did for four years. With your convictions and mine. With respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity.”

– German Chancellor Olaf Scholz

“I congratulate Donald Trump on his election as US President. For a long time, Germany and the US have been working together successfully promoting prosperity and freedom on both sides of the Atlantic. We will continue to do so for the wellbeing of our citizens.”

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni

“Italy and the United States are sister nations, linked by an unshakeable alliance, common values, and a historic friendship. It is a strategic bond, which I am sure we will now strengthen even more.”

– Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

“Heartiest congratulations my friend Donald Trump on your historic election victory. … Together, let’s work for the betterment of our people and promote global peace, stability, and prosperity.”

– Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov

“Let’s not forget that we are talking about the unfriendly country that is both directly and indirectly involved in a war against our state.”

No congratulations were forthcoming from Moscow, where President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman declared that Russia-US relations were at the “lowest point in history.”

– Mexico’s president Claudia Sheinbaum

Ms. Sheinbaum told Mexicans “There is no reason to worry”, despite Mr. Trump’s previous threats to impose trade tariffs on Mexican products unless the country does more to stem the flow of migrants and drugs to the US.

– Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

A man previously derided by Mr Trump as “weak” and “dishonest” wrote on X: “The friendship between Canada and the U.S. is the envy of the world. I know President Trump and I will work together to create more opportunity, prosperity, and security for both of our nations.”

– Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva

He congratulated Trump, despite having endorsed Kamala Harris days ago.

“Democracy is the voice of the people and must always be respected,” Mr Lula said on X.

– Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi

Another key player in Middle East peace efforts, who had close ties to Mr. Trump during his first administration, said Cairo looked forward “to arriving together at achieving peace and preservation of stability in the region”.