German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and a host of other world leaders have extended their congratulations to Donald Trump on his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States. The reactions, which came from various corners of the globe, highlighted the shared interests and diplomatic balance sought by these nations in their engagements with the U.S. administration. At the same time, some leaders voiced concerns over potential policy shifts that could affect international relations.
Scholz emphasized the importance of maintaining a robust transatlantic relationship, echoing sentiments that have long characterized Germany's foreign policy stance toward the United States. He reminded Trump that the U.S. is Germany's closest ally and underscored the strength of the European Union, with its 27 member states forming a formidable bloc.
"is our closest ally the aim of our policy is always a good transatlantic relationship" – Olaf Scholz
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy lauded Trump as a "man of strength" and praised him for his decisive nature. Zelenskyy expressed optimism about Trump's proposed "peace through strength" policy, viewing it as a chance to bolster American leadership and secure a lasting peace.
"The peace through strength policy he announced provides an opportunity to strengthen American leadership and achieve a long-term and just peace, which is the top priority" – Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also welcomed Trump's inauguration with enthusiasm. Netanyahu highlighted the potential benefits of the peace through strength approach, suggesting it could enhance American influence and facilitate a fair and enduring peace in the region.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán expressed admiration for Trump's leadership qualities, describing him as a "patriotic, peace-loving, migration-rejecting, family-oriented president." Orbán announced plans to initiate a "second phase" of Hungary's diplomatic efforts in Brussels in alignment with Trump's policies.
In Europe, EU President Ursula von der Leyen extended her congratulations to Trump and reiterated the EU's commitment to collaborating closely with his administration on global issues. Her statement reflected the EU's readiness to engage constructively with the U.S. under Trump's leadership.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba noted Trump's preference for personal diplomacy over multilateral frameworks. Ishiba emphasized that Japan would leverage its national interests to foster world peace and advance the global economy.
"Trump prioritises bilateral negotiations over multilateral frameworks, so we will focus on how to leverage the national interests of both countries to contribute to world peace and the global economy" – Ishiba
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized the significance of the U.S.-Canada economic partnership in his congratulatory message. He pointed out that this partnership is one of the most successful in the world and expressed confidence in achieving peace through NATO.
In Mexico, President Claudia Sheinbaum called for calm among Mexican immigrants in the U.S. She reiterated the importance of maintaining a respectful dialogue between the two countries, highlighting the existing positive relations.
"On behalf of the government of Mexico, I congratulate Donald Trump on his inauguration as the 47th president of the United States of America" – Claudia Sheinbaum
However, not all reactions were positive. Cuban President Miquel Diaz-Canel expressed outrage at Trump's decision to reinstate Cuba on the U.S. state sponsors of terrorism list, describing it as "an act of arrogance and disregard for the truth."
"an act of arrogance and disregard for the truth" – Cuban President Miquel Diaz-Canel
Russian President Vladimir Putin's relationship with Trump has often been characterized as a "bromance," with mutual admiration evident between the two leaders. The dynamics between Russia and the U.S. remain an area of keen international interest.
Elsewhere, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte indicated plans to enhance defense spending and production in response to Trump's administration. This move underscores a broader trend among European nations to fortify their defense capabilities.
"With President Trump back in office we will turbo-charge defence spending & production" – Mark Rutte
British Labour Party leader Keir Starmer also extended his congratulations, emphasizing Trump's longstanding affection for the United Kingdom. Starmer expressed confidence that this friendship would continue to thrive under Trump's leadership.
"With President Trump’s longstanding affection and historical ties to the United Kingdom, I know that depth of friendship will continue" – Keir Starmer
In Panama, José Raúl Mulino asserted national sovereignty over the Panama Canal amidst Trump's presidency, highlighting its historical significance as a result of generational struggles rather than an external concession.
"The canal was not a concession from anyone, It was the result of generational struggles" – José Raúl Mulino