World leaders on Wednesday congratulated Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump after completing an improbable comeback to win the United States presidential election.
Trump secured a return to the White House when he surpassed the 270 electoral college votes needed to win the election. In his victory speech before official declaration, he promised to put America first and bring about the country’s golden age.
President Bola Tinubu is one of the earliest world leaders who congratulated the former president on his victory, stating that Trump’s victory reflects the confidence of the American people in his leadership.
Tinubu, who also serves as Chairman of ECOWAS, added that Trump’s prior experience as the 45th president could foster productive economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States.
Here is how other leaders and institutions around the globe have reacted so far:
UK
Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer congratulated “President-elect” Trump, saying the “special relationship” between the UK and US would “continue to prosper” on issues including security and technology. “As the closest of allies, we stand shoulder to shoulder in defense of our shared values of freedom, enterprise, and entrepreneurship,” read the statement.
France
French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated “President Donald Trump,” saying he was ready to work together with “respect and ambition” like “we managed to do for four years.” In a post, Macron said Trump and Macron’s relationship would take account of “your convictions and mine.”
Germany
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz congratulated Trump: “Germany and the USA have been working together successfully for a long time to promote prosperity and freedom on both sides of the Atlantic.”
Foreign Affairs Minister Annalena Baerbock said in comments to the media that “Europeans will now have to assume even more responsibility for security policy,” he said.
Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Trump on his “impressive victory,” saying he appreciated his “peace through strength” approach to global affairs. “This is exactly the principle that practically brings just peace in Ukraine closer. I am hopeful we can put it into action together,” he wrote.
Hungary
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a longtime ally of Trump, wrote on social media: “Good morning, Hungary! On the road to a beautiful victory,” alongside a photo of him watching CNN’s election coverage on television.
Spain
Pedro Sánchez, the Prime Minister of Spain, wrote his congratulations to Trump on X, saying the two countries “will work on our strategic bilateral relations and on a strong transatlantic partnership.”
Italy
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni congratulated Trump, saying: “Italy and the United States are ‘sister’ nations, liked by an unshakeable alliance, common values, and a historic friendship. It is a strategic bond, which I am sure we will now strengthen even further.”
The Netherlands
The Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders congratulated Trump: “CONGRATULATIONS PRESIDENT TRUMP! CONGRATULATIONS AMERICA!” He added: “NEVER STOP, ALWAYS KEEP FIGHTING AND WIN ELECTIONS!” with a series of emojis of a muscular arm and the US flag.
Turkey
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan congratulated Trump and hailed the beginning of a “new period.” He said: “I hope that Turkey-US relations will strengthen, that regional and global crises and wars, especially the Palestinian issue and the Russia-Ukraine war, will come to an end; I believe that more efforts will be made for a more just world,” he wrote. He also described the US as “our friendly and allied people.”
The European Union
European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Trump, and urged the two bodies to work together “on a strong transatlantic agenda that keeps delivering for them.” She wrote: “The EU and the US are more than just allies. We are bound by a true partnership between our people, uniting 800 million citizens.”
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RUSSIA
A Kremlin spokesperson said Vladimir Putin does not plan to congratulate Trump, since the US is an “unfriendly country,” and that the next US president would be judged on “concrete steps and concrete words.”
Meanwhile, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev suggested that a Trump win would likely be bad for Ukraine, but that it was unclear how much he would be able to cut aid to Kyiv. “As a businessman to the core, [Trump] mortally dislikes spending money on various hangers-on and stupid hangers-on allies, on bad charity projects and on voracious international organizations,” Medvedev posted on Telegram. “The question is how much Trump will be forced to give to the war. He’s stubborn, but the system is stronger.”
India
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X: “Heartiest congratulations my friend… on your historic election victory.” Mordi added: “As you build on the successes of your previous term, I look forward to renewing our collaboration.”
NATO
NATO chief Mark Rutte congratulated Trump, saying his leadership would keep the defense alliance “strong.” He added: “I look forward to working with him again to advance peace through strength through NATO.”
The Star
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