US election 2024: Netanyahu and Starmer lead world leader congratulating Trump
Published 6 November 2024
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.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 said: "I look forward to working with Trump in the years ahead."
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 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".
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 said "Germany and the US have for a long time successfully worked together to promote prosperity and freedom on both sides of the Atlantic".
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.
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 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 pledged to work with Trump "on our strategic bilateral relations and on a strong transatlantic partnership".
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said Ireland "will work to deepen and strengthen the historic and unbreakable bonds between our people and our nations in the years ahead".
In her message to Trump, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU and the US were "more than just allies".
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".