World Leaders Congratulate Donald Trump: ‘History’s Greatest Comeback’

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Viktor Orbán were among the world leaders offering their early congratulations to Donald Trump in light of his presumed election win. Although the race had officially not been called when many leaders posted statements on social media, Trump was declared the winner early Wednesday morning.

Writing on X, Zelenskyy shared a lengthy tribute to Trump, noting that he had a “great meeting with President Trump back in September, when we discussed in detail the Ukraine-U.S. strategic partnership, the Victory Plan, and ways to put an end to Russian aggression against Ukraine.”

“I appreciate President Trump’s commitment to the ‘peace through strength’ approach in global affairs,” Zelenskyy continued. “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. We look forward to an era of a strong United States of America under President Trump’s decisive leadership. We rely on continued strong bipartisan support for Ukraine in the United States.”

He added, “We are interested in developing mutually beneficial political and economic cooperation that will benefit both of our nations. Ukraine, as one of Europe’s strongest military powers, is committed to ensuring long-term peace and security in Europe and the Transatlantic community with the support of our allies.”

Netanyahu quickly responded to the news of a Trump victory, sharing his joy on X. The Israeli leader wrote, on behalf of himself and his wife Sara, “Dear Donald and Melania Trump, Congratulations on history’s greatest comeback! Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America. This is a huge victory!”

Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orbán was among the first to congratulate Trump. “The biggest comeback in US political history!” the right-wing leader wrote on X. “Congratulations to President @realDonaldTrump on his enormous win. A much needed victory for the World!”
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French president Emmanuel Macron also chimed in early, sharing posts in both French and English. “Congratulations, President @realDonaldTrump,” he wrote 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.”

British prime minister Keir Starmer, whose left-wing Labour government recently took power in the U.K., shared a statement on X, writing, “Congratulations President-elect @realDonaldTrump on your historic election victory. I look forward to working with you in the years ahead.”

He added, “As the closest of allies, we stand shoulder to shoulder in defense of our shared values of freedom, democracy and enterprise. From growth and security to innovation and tech, I know that the UK-US special relationship will continue to prosper on both sides of the Atlantic for years to come.”

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said he looks forward working with Trump “to advance peace through strength,” per AP. “We face a growing number of challenges globally, from a more aggressive Russia, to terrorism, to strategic competition with China, as well the increasing alignment of China, Russia, North Korea and Iran,” Rutte said. “Working together through NATO helps to deter aggression, protect our collective security and support our economies.”

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni shared a statement offering “sincere congratulations to the President-elect of the United States, Donald Trump.” “Italy and the United States are ‘sister’ nations, linked by an unshakable alliance, common values, and a historic friendship,” Meloni wrote. “It is a strategic bond, which I am sure we will now strengthen even further.”
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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she is looking forward to working with Trump on the “true partnership” between the EU and the U.S. “Let us work together on a transatlantic partnership that continues to deliver for our citizens,” she said in a statement. “Millions of jobs and billions in trade and investment on each side of the Atlantic depend on the dynamism and stability of our economic relationship.”

German chancellor Olaf Scholz wrote, “I congratulate @realDonaldTrump on his election as US President. For a long time, Germany and the US have been working together successfully promoting prosperity and freedom on both sides of the Atlantic. We will continue to do so for the wellbeing of our citizens.”
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In Russia, the Kremlin responded with less enthusiasm. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters he was not aware of any plans by President Vladimir Putin to congratulate Trump. “We have repeatedly said that the U.S. is able to contribute to the end of this conflict,” Peskov said, via Reuters. “This cannot be done overnight, but… the U.S. is capable of changing the trajectory of its foreign policy. Will this happen, and if so, how… we will see after (the U.S. president’s inauguration in) January.”

This posted was updated on Nov. 6 at 5:42 a.m. EST to reflect Donald Trump being declared the winner of the election