Leaders from around the world congratulated Donald Trump on his victory in the US presidential election against Democrat Kamala Harris.
Greetings range from effusive celebrations to formal messages with expressions of good wishes to work together with the future Trump Administration.
Ukraine yes, but not Russia
The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskywho seemed comfortable in recent years with Democratic president Joe Biden, said he hopes that Trump’s return to the White House will lead to a ”just peace” for Ukraine, invaded by Russia since February 2022.
On the contrary, the Russian president Vladimir Putinwho was very close to Trump in his first government, avoided speaking out. The Kremlin indicated that Putin does not plan to congratulate Trump and that he will judge his presidency “according to his actions.”
Trump has repeated on numerous occasions that he is capable of imposing peace in Ukraine ”in 24 hours,” but he never explained how he would do it. He has also criticized the enormous military and financial support provided by the Biden administration to confront the Russian invasion.
Middle East
One of the most effusive greetings was sent by the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahuwho said of Trump, in a statement, that “his historic return to the White House gives the United States a new beginning and a powerful commitment to this great alliance between Israel and the United States.”
The United States has supported mediation efforts in the war between Israel and the Palestinian movement Hamas in the Gaza Strip, along with Qatar and Egypt, whose leaders also welcomed Trump’s victory.
The Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, the President of Egypt, Abdel Fatah al Sisi, and the Jordanian King Abdullah II expressed their hope to continue working with the future president for peace in the Middle East.
Saudi monarch Salman and his son, crown prince and de facto ruler Mohamed bin Salman, congratulated Trump and emphasized the strengthening of the bilateral relationship.
The president of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmud Abbasurged Trump to support ”the legitimate aspirations” of his people, who hope for the creation of their own State. While the Islamist group Hamas, considered terrorist by the United States, said that it will judge the next American president based on “his positions and his behavior towards the Palestinian people.”
Latin America
“Democracy is the voice of the people and must always be respected,” the president of Brazil wrote on the X network. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silvawhen congratulating Trump. ”The world needs dialogue and joint work so that we have more peace, development and prosperity,” said the left-wing Brazilian president, who days before the election expressed his support for Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.
In turn, the Argentine president Javier Miley He welcomed Trump’s “formidable electoral victory” in a message in English in which he wished him “success and blessings”: “He knows he can count on Argentina to carry out his task,” the ultra-liberal president wrote on his X account.
The Uruguayan president, Luis Lacalle Pou, joined in the congratulations and promised to work with the next Trump administration “to continue strengthening the relationship between our countries, for the benefit of our people.”
“May God bless him and guide him,” the Salvadoran president previously noted, Nayib Bukelethe first in the region to congratulate Trump.
Europe and NATO
European leaders, including some who had complex relationships with Trump in his first term, expressed their desire to work with him on a common agenda. The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyenfor example, said he hopes to work with Trump on a “strong transatlantic agenda.”
In his first administration, Trump distanced himself from his European allies over his questions about NATO and his withdrawal from the Paris Agreement on global warming. Even so, the president of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sanchezannounced that “we will work on our bilateral strategic relations and a strong transatlantic partnership.”
In turn, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that he was willing to work with Trump “with respect and ambition.” Macron discussed Trump’s election with German Chancellor Olaf Scholzwho pledged to work with the future American leader for “prosperity and freedom.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer referred to the United States as “our closest allies” and anticipated that their ”special relationship (…) will continue to prosper” under the future Government.
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that Trump’s return to the White House will help the Alliance stay “strong.”
China
China, which was the target of harsh criticism from Trump during his government, said it hopes for “peaceful coexistence” with Washington, according to a spokeswoman for the Foreign Ministry in Beijing.
More effusive, Taiwan’s president, Lai Ching-te, insisted on working for “regional stability” in an area shaken by Beijing’s desire to one day recover what it considers a rebellious island.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba hoped that, with Trump in the White House, the alliance between both countries would reach “new heights.” At the same time, the president of South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol, hoped that the alliance between the two countries “shines even brighter.”
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Political Expert Dr. Elena Gonzalez
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Gonzalez! Thank you for joining us today. The recent U.S. election results have sparked a lot of global reactions. What’s your take on the significance of world leaders congratulating Donald Trump on his victory?
Dr. Gonzalez: Thank you for having me! Trump’s victory certainly sets a significant precedent in international relations. It’s interesting to see a diverse range of responses, from enthusiastic congratulations to cautious messages. Leaders are looking to align themselves with U.S. policy in a way that suits their national interests, and Trump’s administration could reshape these dynamics.
Editor: Ukraine seems to be a focal point in this discussion. Volodymyr Zelensky expressed hope for a “just peace” with Trump in the White House. How do you assess Trump’s previously voiced readiness to impose peace in Ukraine within such a complex context?
Dr. Gonzalez: It’s a bit paradoxical. Trump has repeatedly claimed he could solve the Ukraine crisis quickly, yet he hasn’t detailed a concrete plan. Zelensky’s remarks suggest hope, but the situation is fraught with uncertainty. Trump’s approach may lean more towards transactional diplomacy rather than the multilayered support Ukraine has received from the Biden administration.
Editor: Speaking of different regions, the Middle East leaders, particularly Benjamin Netanyahu, celebrated Trump’s victory. Why is the U.S.-Israel relationship so pivotal in global politics?
Dr. Gonzalez: The U.S.-Israel relationship is a cornerstone of U.S. policy in the Middle East and has far-reaching implications. Netanyahu’s excitement signals a desire to solidify alliances that Trump previously cultivated. The historical context of Trump’s administration, particularly in promoting normalization agreements, suggests the potential for renewed peace efforts, but again, it remains to be seen how Trump’s policies will evolve.
Editor: Latin American leaders also reacted, with presidents Lula, Milei, and Bukele expressing their congratulations. What does this reveal about U.S.-Latin America relations under a potential Trump presidency?
Dr. Gonzalez: It reflects a mixed bag. For some Latin American leaders, like Milei, a Trump presidency aligns with their ultra-liberal policies. Lula’s response is more cautious, hinting at the complexities of regional politics following a previous support of Harris. This indicates that while there may be a willingness to engage, the dynamics of U.S. influence in the region will still be tested against local agendas.
Editor: And what can you tell us about the reactions from Europe? Ursula von der Leyen speaks of a “strong transatlantic agenda,” but could this possibly mask underlying tensions?
Dr. Gonzalez: Absolutely. Many European leaders had a tumultuous relationship with Trump in his first term. The desire for a strong transatlantic agenda could reflect a readiness to reconcile their differences for mutual benefits, but it also opens up the conversation about potential disagreements regarding NATO commitments and climate agreements. Europe is wary yet hopeful, which creates a delicate balancing act.
Editor: As we look ahead, how might Trump’s second term shape global politics, considering the varying expectations from world leaders?
Dr. Gonzalez: If Trump follows a more isolationist or unilateral approach again, we may witness strained alliances and a redefined world order, particularly with U.S. engagements in war-torn regions like Ukraine and the Middle East. Alternatively, if he seeks cooperative policies, we could see renewed dialogue and possibilities for peace—albeit with skepticism from many quarters. The international community will be watching closely as his policies unfold.
Editor: Those are some insightful observations, Dr. Gonzalez. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us today!
Dr. Gonzalez: My pleasure. The next few years will certainly be pivotal for international relations. Thank you for having me!