Hungary’s populist Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, was the first European leader to extend congratulations to Donald Trump following the early projections of his victory in pivotal swing states. This significant moment underscored the international interest in the outcome of the U.S. elections.
As reactions flooded in from across the globe on Wednesday morning, Trump addressed supporters in Florida, celebrating his election win after accumulating nearly enough electoral votes to surpass his Democratic challenger, Kamala Harris.
Orbán referred to Trump’s electoral success as “the biggest comeback in U.S. political history,” hailing it as “a much-needed victory for the world” in a post shared on X. “It’s in the bag,” he declared earlier that day.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also warmly congratulated Trump via social media, asserting that the U.S. and EU are “more than just allies.” She expressed a desire to collaborate with the potential future president.
Kaja Kallas, the incoming chief diplomat for the European Union, commended Trump, affirming that “Europe and America are stronger when we stand together.” Kudos poured in from various European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron who tweeted, “Congratulations, President Donald Trump,” coupled with a call to work together as they had over the past four years.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz joined in the praise, noting the longstanding partnership between Germany and the U.S. and how they have successfully promoted mutual prosperity. According to government sources, Scholz’s congratulatory message followed a strategic conversation with Macron to coordinate their responses to the election’s outcomes.
Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, expressed enthusiasm for a “strong transatlantic partnership” with Trump, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni labeled the U.S. as “sister nations” and extended her “most sincere congratulations.”
Ukraine’s President Commits to Collaboration
Shortly after Trump’s speech, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took to social media to commend Trump for his “peace through strength” approach in global politics, a principle that he believes can facilitate just peace in Ukraine. Despite past remarks indicating potential reductions in military funding to Ukraine, Zelenskyy conveyed Kyiv’s eagerness for mutually beneficial political and economic collaboration.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte shared that he had already communicated with Trump, emphasizing that his leadership will be vital for maintaining alliance strength. Trump’s past criticisms of NATO and his threats to reduce U.S. funding unless Europe shouldered more financial responsibility have not gone unnoticed.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Trump’s prospective return to the White House as “historic,” celebrating it as “history’s greatest comeback” and envisioning a new chapter for U.S.-Israeli relations.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer congratulated Trump, highlighting the importance of Washington as a partner for Austria, and expressed hopes of enhancing transatlantic relations. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his Portuguese counterpart joined the chorus of leaders offering their congratulations, along with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, who underscored Serbia’s commitment to stability and cooperation with the U.S.
Early predictions indicated that Trump was leading in crucial battleground states, including Pennsylvania, which secured him 267 electoral college votes—just shy of the 270 needed for victory. In the U.S., Trump’s allies and notable Republicans began to celebrate his anticipated second term, with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. calling it “historic” and emphasizing the need to unite the country for future progress.
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy praised Trump and his vice presidential choice, JD Vance, stating, “Your historic victory is a win for us all.” The atmosphere surrounding Trump’s prospective return to power reflects a significant moment in global politics as international leaders rally in support of his leadership.
Photo credit & article inspired by: Euronews
