As Donald Trump edges closer to winning the U.S. presidential election, world leaders have been speaking out about their reactions, some in hopes of renewed alliances and others in fear of policy changes. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the return of Donald Trump, calling it “history’s greatest comeback” and marking a “new beginning” in U.S.-Israel relations. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he is excited at the prospect of working with Donald Trump, referring to the special relationship between the UK and the United States.
The leaders from Hungary and Italy, including Viktor Orban and Giorgia Meloni, even continued to send great support even while Viktor Orban goes on record and labels the end as “much-needed victory for the world”.
French President Emmanuel Macron offered congratulations, assuring continued respect and cooperation. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte welcomed Trump’s anticipated input to further fortifying the alliance despite the past critiques of Trump about NATO’s funding model.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen signaled interest in strong transatlantic relations with von der Leyen demanding a positive partnership after several economic rows.
Other leaders were cautiously optimistic, such as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who hoped for support but knew that Trump had a penchant for negotiated settlements with Russia. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol welcomed an opportunity to strengthen the U.S.-South Korea alliance.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he looked forward to furthering their comprehensive strategic partnership. However, the Russian representatives struck a more reticent note when expressing views, with the foreign ministry focusing on the internal US issues while incisively highlighting the past accusations made by the United States against Russia.
These reactions underline the diversity of international views on the foreign policy potential of Trump, as both the long-standing allies and the cautious observers ready themselves for the shift in U.S. priorities regarding global issues such as security, economic partnerships, and defense alliances.