Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the UK’s Keir Starmer have been among the first world leaders to congratulate Donald Trump on winning the US presidential election.
The election of a new president is not just a big deal for the US – a new leader in the White House can transform the country’s foreign policy and its position towards its friends and foes internationally.
Here is how some of the world’s leaders have reacted so far.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
In his statement, Netanyahu – who has had a difficult relationship with President Joe Biden – spoke of “history’s greatest comeback”, adding that Trump’s return to office offered a “new beginning for America, a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America”.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “I look forward to working with Trump in the years ahead.”
He added: “From growth and security to innovation and tech, I know that the UK-US special relationship will continue to prosper on both sides of the Atlantic for years to come.”
French President Emmanuel MacronÂ
French President Emmanuel Macron said he was ready to work together with Trump just as before, “with respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity”.
Macron added that he had held talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz over working to defend Europe’s interests and values while co-operating with the US.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said “Germany and the US have for a long time successfully worked together to promote prosperity and freedom on both sides of the Atlantic”.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban – a close Trump ally – said his election was “a much-needed victory for the world”.
“The biggest comeback in US political history!” he wrote in a post on X.
Orban had openly endorsed Mr Trump’s re-election bid, after being the first and only EU leader to back him in 2016.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said Trump’s victory was a “defeat of liberal and progressive ideas”. He added that the election was also a confirmation to “never trust the media and polls”.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on X: “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.”
Trump promised to push Zelensky to cut a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, one that may involve a loss of territory. Ukraine fears he will reduce US military and financial support.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Italy and the US were “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.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez pledged to work with Trump “on our strategic bilateral relations and on a strong transatlantic partnership”.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement that the pair would “work together to create more opportunity, prosperity and security for both of our nations”.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who had expressed his support for Harris, wished “luck and success” to Trump, adding that “the world needs dialogue and joint work for more peace, development and prosperity”.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
In his message on X, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Trump as a friend: “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.”
Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan
Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan also called Trump a friend – the two had a healthy relationship during Trump’s first term in office.
“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,” he said.
Argentina’s President Javier Milei
Argentina’s President Javier Milei congratulated Trump on a “formidable electoral victory. Now, Make America Great Again. You know that you can count on Argentina to carry out your task.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Alabanese
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Alabanese said the US “has long played a leadership role in the stability and security of the Indo-Pacific. Australia will strive to strengthen the co-operation between our two nations in the region.”
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr                                                                                                                         Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr said that with Trump’s election, “the American people triumphed, and I congratulate them for their victory in an exercise which showed the world the strength of American values.”
Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte
Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte said Trump’s 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”.
Donald Trump has been critical of the Nato alliance, accusing its European allies of not paying enough for security.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
In her message to Trump, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU and the US were “more than just allies”.
