World leaders react to stunning Trump victory

Donald Trump has confounded news media and pollsters, winning a stunning second term as U.S. president. Speaking in West Palm Beach, Florida, as media outlets put him over the 270 electoral votes needed to win, Trump promised Americans he would bring a “golden age” to America, praising what he called “the greatest political movement of all time.”

The win may have also surprised world leaders who, some said, were resigned to an inexperienced Kamala Harris taking the reigns from Joe Biden.

Even as Vice President Kamala Harris has thus far refused to concede, congratulatory messages are being sent to Trump from around the world, including from some of its now nervous adversaries.

Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was one of the first on Wednesday morning to congratulate Trump after Fox News declared the Republican the victor.

“Dear Donald and Melania Trump, Congratulations on history’s greatest comeback!” Netanyahu tweeted. “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! In true friendship, yours, Benjamin and Sara Netanyahu,” he continued.

France

President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X: “Congratulations, President Donald Trump. Ready to work together just as we knew how to do during four years. With your convictions and with mine. With respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity.”

El Salvador

El Salvador President Nayib Bukele also congratulated Trump on X, stating, “Congratulations to the President-Elect of the United States of America … May God bless and guide you.”

Germany

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz praised Trump on X noting, “I congratulate @realDonaldTrump 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.”

Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who like Netanyahu, is leading his country in an existential war, stated on X, “Congratulations to @realDonaldTrump on his impressive election victory! I recall our great meeting with President Trump back in September, when we discussed in detail the Ukraine-U.S. strategic partnership, the Victory Plan, and ways to put an end to Russian aggression against Ukraine.”

Argentina

“Congratulations on your formidable electoral victory,” President Javier Milei said on X. “Now, Make America Great Again. You know that You can count on Argentina to carry out your task.”

Qatar

Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani welcomed working with Trump again “in promoting security and stability both in the region and globally.”

Canada

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who may lose an upcoming election, described the friendship between Canada and the US as “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,” he posted on X.

Hungary

Prime Minister Viktor Orban called it “a much-needed victory for the world,” and “the biggest comeback in US political history!” in a post on X.

Britain

Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated, “Congratulations President-elect Trump on your historic election victory. I look forward to working with you in the years ahead. As the closest of allies, we stand shoulder to shoulder in defence of our shared values of freedom, democracy and enterprise.”

China

“China has always been consistent in its policy toward the U.S. and will continue to view and handle China-U.S. relations in accordance with the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters on Wednesday.

Turkey

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan congratulated his “friend” Trump after “a great battle”.

“I believe … more efforts will be given for a fairer world in this new era that began with the election by American people,” Erdogan said in a post on X, adding he hoped regional wars would come to an end.

Saudi Arabia

King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman hailed the “close relations between the two friendly countries and peoples, which everyone seeks to strengthen and develop in all fields”, the official Saudi Press Agency said. Saudi Arabia may soon sign a peace agreement with Israel that was formulated during the first Trump term.

Italy

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wrote on X, “Good work Mr. President.”

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

Poland

Polish President Andrzej Duda posted on X to Trump: ” “Congratulations, Mr. President. You made it happen.”

Mexico

President Claudia Sheinbaum said Wednesday that Trump’s reelection was “no cause for concern” for Mexico, despite the president-elect’s recent threat to impose a massive 25% tariff on Mexican imports unless her government halts what he called an “onslaught of criminals and drugs” coming across the southern U.S. border.

Russia

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists he was unaware of any plans by President Vladimir Putin to congratulate Trump since the US is an “unfriendly country.”.  Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova posted to X, “Those who live by love for their country, and not by hatred for others, win.”

Australia

“Congratulations to President Donald Trump on his election victory. Australians and Americans are great friends and true allies. Working together, we can ensure the partnership between our nations and peoples remains strong into the future,” wrote Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Egypt

President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi said he hoped Trump’s return to the White House could help bring peace to the Middle East. “I wish him all the success … and I look forward to reaching peace together, upholding regional stability and strengthening the strategic partnership between Egypt and the United States and their friendly peoples,” el-Sisi said on X.

Serbia

Posting a photo of himself with Trump, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic wrote: “Together we face the serious challenges ahead. Serbia is committed to cooperation with the USA on stability, prosperity and peace.”

Taiwan

President Lai Ching-te expressed confidence that US-Taiwan relations would continue to “serve as a cornerstone for regional stability” as she congratulated Trump on social media.

The European Union

“The EU and the US are more than just allies. We are bound by a true partnership between our people, uniting 800 million citizens,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said. “So let’s work together on a strong transatlantic agenda that keeps delivering for them.”

South Korea

President Yoon Suk-yeol congratulated Donald Trump and posted on X that “under your strong leadership, the future of the ROK-U.S. alliance and America will shine brighter. Look forward to working closely with you”, referring to South Korea’s official name, the Republic of Korea.