How World Leaders Are Reacting to Trump Winning the U.S. Presidential Election

By Chad de Guzman and Rebecca Schneid
Updated: November 7, 2024 1:00 AM EST | Originally published: November 6, 2024 7:00 AM EST

Key political figures across the globe have been extending congratulatory messages to President-elect Donald Trump since early Wednesday morning after he defeated Vice President Kamala Harris to win the 2024 election.

See below for how world leaders have reacted to the news that the “America First”-espousing former U.S. President is returning to the White House.

European Commission

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Trump in a post on X, saying: “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.”

North Atlantic Treaty Organization

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who heads the military alliance that Trump has shown dubious commitment to, also congratulated Trump on his election. “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,” he posted on X.

Argentina

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

Australia

“Congratulations to President Donald Trump on his election victory,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese posted on X. “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.”

Austria

“I congratulate @realDonaldTrump on his election success,” Chancellor Karl Nehammer posted on X in German. “The USA is an important strategic partner for Austria. We look forward to further expanding and strengthening our transatlantic relations together in order to successfully meet global challenges.”

Brazil

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva offered his congratulations to Trump in a post on X in Portuguese, saying: “Democracy is the voice of the people and must always be respected. The world needs dialogue and joint work to achieve greater peace, development and prosperity. I wish the new government luck and success.”

Canada

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau congratulated Trump in a post on X alongside a photo of the two walking and talking in the Oval Office during Trump’s first term. Trudeau called the “friendship” between the U.S. and Canada the “the envy of the world” and vowed to “work together” with Trump “to create more opportunity, prosperity, and security for both of our nations.”

China

President Xi Jinping congratulated Trump, according to state media, which reported: “Xi urged the two countries to find the right way to get along in the new era, so as to benefit both countries and the wider world.

“History teaches that China and the United States gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation, said Xi, noting that a stable, sound and sustainable China-U.S. relationship serves the two countries' shared interests and meets the aspiration of the international community.

“He expressed the hope that the two sides will uphold the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, strengthen dialogue and communication, properly manage differences and expand mutually beneficial cooperation.”

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning addressed reporters earlier on Wednesday about Trump’s election victory. 

“We respect the choice of the American people,” she said. “Our policy towards the U.S. is consistent; we will continue to view and handle China-U.S. relations under the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation.”

Meanwhile, Xie Feng, the Chinese ambassador to the U.S., posted on X: “My warm congratulations to Mr. Trump @realDonaldTrump on his reelection as President of the United States! China looks forward to working with the U.S. side for a stable, sound and sustainable China-U.S. relationship.”

Czechia

Prime Minister Petr Fiala also congratulated Trump for 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,” Fiala posted on X.

Denmark

In a statement, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen congratulated Trump, saying: “We must maintain the close cooperation between the United States and Denmark and continue to strengthen the transatlantic bond that has endured through generations.”

“I look forward to strengthening the defense coorporation [sic] between the United States and Denmark together with President-elect Trump. In a world in which Russia behaves more aggressively, increasingly supported by Iran and North Korea, there is a need for reinforcing global alliances. This is especially true in Ukraine where we need to continue our support for their fight for freedom. Furthermore, it would not be possible for Russia to continue the war in Ukraine without the help of China which is of grave concern. Our common security is at stake.

“A strong partnership must be based on a Europe that must be able to do more on its own and take greater responsibility for our own security. We need to speed up and invest even more in our collective defense. It is necessary for ensuring peace and security in Europe, and for being a strong partner for the United States globally.”

Egypt

In a post on X, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi said in Arabic that he wishes Trump “all the best and success in achieving the interests of the American people.” He continued: “We look forward to reaching together to establish peace, maintain regional peace and stability, and strengthen the strategic partnership relations between Egypt and the United States and their friendly peoples. The two countries have always presented a model of cooperation and succeeded together in achieving the common interests of the two friendly countries, which we look forward to continuing in these critical circumstances that the world is going through.”

El Salvador

President Nayib Bukele, in a post on X, shared a photo of him and Trump and said: “Congratulations to the President-Elect of the United States of America @realDonaldTrump 🇺🇸May God bless and guide you.”

Ethiopia

“Congratulations to President Donald Trump (@realDonaldTrump) on your election victory and comeback,” Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed posted on X. “I look forward to working together to further strengthen the relationship between our two countries during your term.”

France

“Congratulations President Donald Trump,” President Emmanuel Macron posted on X in French. “Ready to work together as we have done for four years. With your convictions and with mine. With respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity.”

Germany

Chancellor Olaf Scholz posted on X: “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.”

Hungary

“The biggest comeback in US political history,” Prime Minister Viktor Orbán posted on X. “Congratulations to President @realDonaldTrump on his enormous win. A much needed victory for the World!”

India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X: “Heartiest congratulations my friend @realDonaldTrump 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.”

Iran

Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani has downplayed Trump’s win in the eyes of Iran, according to Reuters, stating: “the U.S. elections are not really our business. Our policies are steady and don't change based on individuals. We made the necessary predictions before and there will not be change in people's livelihoods.”

During Trump’s first term, he pulled out of an international nuclear deal with Iran that was negotiated by Obama. In addition, the Trump Administration placed over 1,500 sanctions, including on Iran’s oil sales, which impacted the country’s economy.

Israel

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara addressed Trump and his wife Melania in a short letter on X: “Dear Donald and Melania Trump,” they wrote. “Congratulations on history’s greatest comeback! 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.”

Italy

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni extended her “most sincere congratulations” to Trump.

“On behalf of myself and the Italian Government, my most sincere congratulations to the President-elect of the United States, Donald #Trump,” she posted on X. “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. Good work Mr. President.”

Kosovo

Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosova, Albin Kurti, congratulated Trump on X: “The U.S. is a key ally, friend, and partner to Kosova and we look forward to working together for progress and peace,” he said.

Malaysia

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim posted on X: “Congratulations to @realDonaldTrump on his remarkable political comeback and victory in the US presidential election. This new chapter brings renewed opportunities, and we’re ready to move forward with optimism, collaboration and shared purpose.

“The United States remains Malaysia’s largest source of foreign investment and a vital player in the Asia-Pacific region. As ASEAN Chair in 2025, Malaysia hopes that America will reinvigorate its engagement with Southeast Asia. We also urge the US to use its considerable influence to help end the devastating violence and loss of life in Palestine and Ukraine.

“We look forward to working closely with the incoming president to foster mutual benefits for the people of both our nations.”

Netherlands

“Congratulations to @realDonaldTrump on winning the presidential election,” Prime Minister Dick Schoof posted on X. “The United States is an important ally for the Netherlands, both bilaterally and in international contexts such as NATO. I look forward to our close cooperation on the shared interests between the USA and the Netherlands.”

Nigeria

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s office posted a lengthy congratulations on X, where he said that Trump’s victory “reflects the trust and confidence the American people have placed in his leadership.” He said he “looks forward” to strengthening the bonds between the two countries and that he “trusts that President Trump will bring the world closer to peace and prosperity.”

Norway

“Congratulations to @realDonaldTrump on his victory in the U.S. presidential election,” Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre posted on X. “The US is Norway's most important partner and ally. I look forward to continuing to strengthen our relationship with the new Trump administration.”

Philippines

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. posted on X: “President Trump has won, and the American people have triumphed. I congratulate them on their victory in an exercise that showed the world the strength of American values.”

“We look forward to working with President Trump on a wide range of issues that will yield mutual benefits for two nations with deep ties, shared beliefs, a common vision, and a long history of working together,” Marcos wrote.

Marcos added that he was “hopeful that this unshakeable alliance, tested in war and peace, will be a force for good, blazing a path of prosperity and amity in the region and on both sides of the Pacific.”

“This is a durable partnership to which the Philippines is fully committed, because it is founded on the ideals we share: freedom and democracy.

“I have personally met President Trump as a young man, so I know that his robust leadership will result in a better future for all of us,” Marcos concluded. “Congratulations, President Trump!”

The Philippines is one of the U.S.’ allies in the Indo-Pacific region, helping counter China’s growing influence there. While some have warned that a Trump presidency would mean a more insular foreign policy, experts previously told TIME that countering China remains a bipartisan consensus and likely won’t be affected by Trump coming back into power.

Poland

President Andrzej Duda used a string of emojis to congratulate Trump on X. “You made it happen! 👏👏👏🇵🇱🤝🇺🇸” he posted.

Romania

“Congratulations to President @realDonaldTrump on this historic victory!” Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu posted on X. “Romania stands ready to work together to enhance our 🇷🇴🇺🇸Strategic Partnership. Under your new leadership we hope for peace and prosperity for all our citizens!Looking forward to a fruitful collaboration!”

Serbia

“Congratulations @realDonaldTrump on your victory,” President Aleksandar Vučić posted on X. “Together, we face the serious challenges ahead.Serbia is committed to working with the USA for stability, growth, and peace.”

Spain

“Congratulations @realDonaldTrump on your victory and your election as 47th President of the US,” Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez posted on X. “We will work on our strategic bilateral relations and on a strong transatlantic partnership.”

Taiwan

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te offered “sincere congratulations” to Trump on X: “I'm confident that the longstanding Taiwan-U.S. partnership, built on shared values & interests, will continue to serve as a cornerstone for regional stability & lead to greater prosperity for us all.” 

Turkiye

In a statement in Turkish on X, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan lauded his “friend” Trump, “who won the presidential election in the United States after a great struggle and was re-elected as the President of the United States.”

“In this new period that will begin with the elections of the American people, 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,” Erdoğan posted. “I hope that the elections will be beneficial for our friendly and allied people in the United States and for all of humanity.”

U.K.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer took to X to congratulate Trump, saying he looks forward to working with him 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,” he said in his statement.

But Starmer’s relationship with Trump will likely be off to a shaky start. The Trump campaign accused his Labour Government of “blatant foreign interference” after volunteers with the party traveled to the U.S. to help campaign for Vice President Kamala Harris. 

Meanwhile, the Labour Government’s Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, in a 2018 article for TIME, described Trump as “a woman-hating, neo-Nazi-sympathizing sociopath.” Lammy has now congratulated Trump, posting on X: “The U.K. has no greater friend than the U.S., with the special relationship being cherished on both sides of the Atlantic for more than 80 years. We look forward to working with you and @JDVance in the years ahead.”

Kemi Badenoch, the new leader of the U.K.’s Conservative Party, also congratulated Trump via X, calling his victory “historic.”

“The world faces many serious challenges and I look forward to our two countries working together to confront them,” she said.

Ukraine

President Volodmyr Zelensky posted 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.

“I appreciate President Trump’s commitment to the 'peace through strength' approach in global affairs. This is exactly the principle that can practically bring just peace in Ukraine closer. I am hopeful that we will put it into action together,” he added. “We look forward to an era of a strong United States of America under President Trump’s decisive leadership. We rely on continued strong bipartisan support for Ukraine in the United States.”

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa wrote on X that his country “stands ready” to work with Trump now that he has won back the White House. “The world needs more leaders who speak for the people,” he said.