Republican Donald Trump has won the US presidential election in a stunning comeback, with projections showing him comfortably clearing the 270 electoral vote threshold required to win the White House. His Democratic rival, Kamala Harris, conceded defeat on Wednesday. World leaders rushed to congratulate Trump as votes were still being counted after early projected wins in key battleground states. Here are some reactions:
International Reactions to Trump's Victory
Reactions from Allies
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel called Trump’s victory “history’s greatest comeback!” and said it was a “huge victory!” for the US-Israel alliance. Netanyahu also lauded Trump’s recommitment to the alliance.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada described the friendship between Canada and the US as “the envy of the world”. Trudeau expressed his intent to work with Trump to create “more opportunity, prosperity, and security for both of our nations”.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia said Trump’s election “is always an important moment for the world, for our region and for Australia”. Albanese also stressed that Australia would “strive to strengthen the cooperation between our two nations in the region”.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer offered congratulations on Trump’s “historic election victory” and declared the UK and US “stand shoulder to shoulder in defence of our shared values of freedom, democracy and enterprise.”
President Yoon Suk-yeol of South Korea said that “under your strong leadership, the future of the ROK-U.S. alliance and America will shine brighter”. He added that he looked forward to “working closely with you”.
Mixed Reactions
President Emmanuel Macron of France was more cautious in his congratulations, noting that he is “ready to work together as we did for four years” with Trump. He added that he would work with Trump with “respect and ambition”, and “for more peace and prosperity”.
President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission said that “the EU and the US are more than just allies”, but noted that “millions of jobs and billions in trade and investment on each side of the Atlantic depend on the dynamism and stability of our economic relationship”.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil said that “democracy is the voice of the people, and it must always be respected” and that the world needs “dialogue and joint work to have more peace, development and prosperity”.
Reactions from Adversaries
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia will be “drawing conclusions based on concrete steps and concrete words” from the US government. He added that President Vladimir Putin has not yet congratulated Trump because the US is an “unfriendly country”.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said that “Trump has one useful quality for us: as a businessman to the core, he mortally dislikes spending money on various hangers-on and stupid hanger-on allies”.
The Palestinian group Hamas said that “the new US administration must realise that our people are continuing to confront the occupation and will not accept a path that diminishes their rights”. They also urged the US to “listen to the voices of the American community itself rejecting the aggression on Gaza”.
Reactions from Others
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that he “reaffirm[s] [his] belief that the cooperation between the United States and the United Nations is an essential pillar of international relations”. He added that the UN “stands ready to work constructively with the incoming administration to address the dramatic challenges our world is facing”.
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt said he hoped Trump’s return to the White House could help bring peace to the Middle East. He wished Trump success “in achieving the interests of the American people”.
The Taliban government in Afghanistan expressed hope for a “new chapter” in relations with the US following Trump’s victory.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said that China “will continue to view and handle China-US relations in accordance with the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation”.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine said that he “appreciate[s] President Trump’s commitment to the ‘peace through strength’ approach in global affairs”. Zelenskyy called this the “principle that can practically bring just peace in Ukraine closer”.
Domestic Reactions
Trump, speaking before the latest results came in, pledged to bring a “golden age” to the United States, praising what he called “the greatest political movement of all time”.
President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico said that Trump’s election victory was “no cause for concern” for Mexico but that she would await the official results before congratulating her.
President Javier Milei of Argentina congratulated Trump on X, saying “Now, Make America Great Again. You know that You can count on Argentina to carry out your task.”
Venezuela is ready to establish “good relations” with Washington upon Trump’s return to the White House, according to a statement released by Foreign Minister Yvan Gil.
Implications of Trump's Victory
Trump’s election win is a significant event that could have a profound impact on global politics, foreign policy, and the international landscape. It remains to be seen what the long-term implications of Trump’s victory will be, but it is clear that the world will be watching closely as the new administration takes shape and begins to implement its policies.
The Future of US Foreign Policy
Trump’s foreign policy has been characterized by a “America First” approach, with an emphasis on unilateralism and a skepticism of multilateral institutions. It is likely that this approach will continue under a second Trump administration. This could have significant implications for the US’s relationships with its allies and adversaries alike. For example, Trump’s decision to withdraw the US from the Iran nuclear deal could have far-reaching consequences for regional stability. Similarly, his decision to impose tariffs on goods from China could further escalate trade tensions between the two countries.
The Global Economic Outlook
Trump’s economic policies have also had a significant impact on the global economy. His trade wars with China and other countries have led to increased uncertainty and volatility in global markets. It is possible that these tensions will intensify under a second Trump administration, which could lead to further economic instability and slow growth.
The Future of the US’s Role in the World
Trump’s election victory raises questions about the future of the US’s role in the world. Trump has been critical of the US’s traditional role as a global leader and has shown a willingness to withdraw from international commitments. It is possible that this trend will continue under a second Trump administration, which could lead to a decline in US influence and a shift in the global balance of power. It is also possible that Trump’s victory could lead to a more fragmented and less cooperative world, with countries pursuing their own interests at the expense of global cooperation.
The Trump Legacy
Trump’s presidency has been marked by a number of significant events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Black Lives Matter movement, and the January 6th insurrection at the US Capitol. His legacy will be debated for years to come, but it is clear that he has left a lasting mark on American politics and society. His victory is a sign that the forces that propelled him to power in 2016 remain strong. It is likely that his return to the White House will continue to divide the country along political lines.
Looking Ahead
Trump’s second term will be a defining moment for the US and for the world. His policies will have a significant impact on the global landscape and will shape the future of international relations. The world will be watching closely to see how he will navigate the challenges facing the US and the world in the years to come.
The next four years will be crucial for the US and for the world. Trump’s second term will be a time of great change and uncertainty. Only time will tell what the full impact of his presidency will be.
