Hungary’s populist leader Viktor Orbán was the first European leader to congratulate the Republican candidate, as the former president was projected to win in critical swing states.
ADVERTISEMENTReactions from across the Atlantic poured in on Wednesday morning as Donald Trump took to the stage in Florida to claim election victory after securing almost enough electoral votes to beat his Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris.
Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was the first to congratulate Trump on “the biggest comeback in US political history,” calling it “a much-needed victory for the world” in a post on X.
“It’s in the bag,” he said earlier on Wednesday.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen “warmly” congratulated Trump in a post on the same social network, adding that the US and the EU were “more than just allies” and committing to work with the potential president.
France, Germany, Spain and Italy followed suit, with French President Emmanuel Macron posting “Congratulations, President Donald Trump” on X.
“Ready to work together as we did for four years. With your convictions and mine. With respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity,” Macron added.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz congratulated Trump, adding Germany and the US “have been working together successfully for a long time to promote prosperity”.
Spain’s Pedro Sanchez promised Trump and Spain would work on a “strong transatlantic partnership”.
Writing in Italian, Italy’s Prime Minister called her country and the US “sister nations” and wished Trump the “most sincere congratulations”.
Zelenskyy commits to working with Trump
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also took to social media shortly after Trump gave a speech claiming his victory.
“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,” Zelenskyy said.
Trump has previously said he would cut military funding to the war-torn country fighting against Russia’s all-out invasion well into its third year.
Nevertheless, the Ukrainian leader said Kyiv was “interested in developing mutually beneficial political and economic cooperation that will benefit both of our nations,” adding that he was looking forward to meeting Trump in person.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte posted on X that he had already spoken to Trump, saying, “his leadership will again be key to keeping our alliance strong.”
Trump has been critical of NATO, threatening to cut US funding to the military alliance unless other European countries pulled their financial weight.
ADVERTISEMENTIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Trump’s return to the White House “historic”.
“Congratulations on history’s greatest comeback,” Nentanyahu added, before saying his victory offered “a new beginning for America” and the alliance between Israel and the US.
Austria’s Karl Nehammer congratulated the Republican candidate and former president before adding that Washington was an important partner for Europe’s alpine nation.
“We look forward to further expanding and strengthening our transatlantic relations to successfully address global challenges together,” Nehammer said.
ADVERTISEMENTGreek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his Portuguese counterpart also wished Trump congratulations on his projected victory.
They were joined by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.
“Together we are facing serious challenges in front of us. Serbia is dedicated to cooperating with the US on stability, prosperity and peace,” Vučić said in a post on his official Instagram account.
Projections put Trump as leading in three swing states, including critical Pennsylvania — securing 267 electoral college votes out of the 270 he needs to win.
ADVERTISEMENTIn the US, Trump’s allies and notable Republicans began to applaud him on securing a second term before the projections for Pennsylvania were announced.
Robert F Kennedy Jr, who Trump has said could secure a role in his administration, said Trump’s victory was “historic”.
“Let’s bring the country together and Make America Healthy Again,” RFK Jr added.
Former speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy lauded Trump and his vice presidential candidate, JD Vance, saying, “Your historic victory is a win for us all.”
ADVERTISEMENTThis is a developing story and our journalists are working on further updates.