Global leaders reacted to the projected electoral victory of former and seemingly soon-to-be-again President Donald Trump with a mix of crowing and cowing.
His friends—in Israel, Hungary, and India—greeted a new Trump term with delight, while warier souls sought hurricane insurance in the middle of the storm.
Global leaders reacted to the projected electoral victory of former and seemingly soon-to-be-again President Donald Trump with a mix of crowing and cowing.
His friends—in Israel, Hungary, and India—greeted a new Trump term with delight, while warier souls sought hurricane insurance in the middle of the storm.
“Congratulations on history’s greatest comeback!” wrote Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on X, looking forward to the “powerful recommitment” of the U.S.-Israeli alliance. Indian premier Narendra Modi offered his “heartiest congratulations.” Hungary’s Viktor Orban cheered a “much needed victory for the World.” Russian President Vladimir Putin did not yet weigh in, but Champagne corks are no doubt popping in Moscow.
Those likely to be on the sharp end of Trump’s foreign policy tried to make lemonade out of lemons. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has perhaps the most at stake next year, congratulated Trump and pleaded not to be abandoned in the middle of a war. “We rely on continued strong bipartisan support for Ukraine in the United States,” he said.
NATO chief Mark Rutte chimed in, and also reminded Trump that “peace through strength” means “keeping our Alliance strong.” France’s Emmanuel Macron put a brave face on his own kudos, telling Trump he was “ready to work together as we did for four years. … With respect and ambition.”
Early words aside, what Trump’s victory means is a reshuffling of the global order. The fate of Ukraine’s “victory plan” to prevail over Russia is now more uncertain than ever. Israel has no checks other than a blank one from Washington. Autocrats are emboldened. American allies are huddling. As rocky as the last four years have been from a geopolitical perspective, the real tremors—and aftershocks—start now.
This post is part of FP’s live coverage with global updates and analysis throughout the U.S. election. Follow along here.
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