World leaders race to congratulate Trump on expected win
Leaders praised the Republican's "comeback."
As Europe woke to the news that former United States President Donald Trump was on track for a historic second term in the White House early Wednesday, congratulations rolled in from leaders and right-wing allies of the Republican around the Continent.
Here’s a round-up of the early reactions.
“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. So let’s work together on a strong transatlantic agenda that keeps delivering for them,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.
“Congratulations President-elect @realDonaldTrump on your historic election victory. I look forward to working with you in the years ahead,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said.
“As the closest of allies, we stand shoulder to shoulder in defence of our shared values of freedom, democracy and enterprise,” he added.
“The biggest comeback in US political history! Congratulations to President @realDonaldTrump on his enormous win,” long-time Trump ally Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán wrote on social media. “A much needed victory for the World!”
“Congratulations President Donald Trump. Ready to work together as we have done for four years,” French President Emmanuel Macron said. “With your convictions and with mine. With respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity.”
“On behalf of myself and the Italian Government, my most sincere congratulations to the President-elect of the United States, Donald Trump,” said Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
“Italy and the United States are ‘sister’ nations, linked by an unshakable alliance, common values, and a historic friendship. It is a strategic bond, which I am sure we will now strengthen even further,” she added.
“I congratulate @realDonaldTrump to electoral success. The USA is an important strategic partner for Austria,” Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said. “We look forward to further expanding and strengthening our transatlantic relations together in order to successfully meet global challenges.”
“Congratulations @realDonaldTrump on your victory. Together, we face the serious challenges ahead. Serbia is committed to working with the USA for stability, growth, and peace,” Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said.
“Congratulations, Mr. President @realDonaldTrump! You made it happen!” Polish President Andrzej Duda said, with a string of clapping emojis.
Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said Trump’s victory was a win for “patriotism, border control, tax cuts, Christian roots, freedom of speech, commitment to world peace.”
“CONGRATULATIONS PRESIDENT TRUMP! CONGRATULATIONS AMERICA!” Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders wrote in all-caps. “NEVER STOP, ALWAYS KEEP FIGHTING AND WIN ELECTIONS!”
“Congratulations to Donald Trump on winning the presidential election. Our shared goal is to ensure that the relations between our countries remain at the highest level, despite changes in administration, and that we continue to develop them for the benefit of our citizens,” Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said.
“He’s done it again. The most incredible political comeback of our lifetime,” British MP and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage wrote.
In a statement on social media, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recalled his “great meeting” with Trump in September and praised his “commitment to the ‘peace through strength’ approach in global affairs.”
“We rely on continued strong bipartisan support for Ukraine in the United States,” Zelenskyy added.
NATO Secretary-General — and so-called Trump whisperer — Mark Rutte wrote he “just congratulated @realDonaldTrump on his election as President of the United States.”
“His leadership will again be key to keeping our Alliance strong. I look forward to working with him again to advance peace through strength through #NATO,” Rutte added.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also congratulated Trump.
“Congratulations on history’s greatest comeback!,” Netanyahu wrote on X.
“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!,” he added.
“Heartiest congratulations my friend Donald Trump on your historic election victory. As you build on the successes of your previous term, I look forward to renewing our collaboration to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership. Together, let’s work for the betterment of our people and to promote global peace, stability and prosperity,” said the Indian prime minister.
Meanwhile, China said it hoped for “peaceful coexistence” with the U.S. with Trump as president.
“We will continue to approach and handle China-U.S. relations based on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation,” Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said during a media briefing.
This story is being updated.
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