Leaders from across the globe swiftly responded to Donald Trump’s return to the White House on Monday, offering congratulations while highlighting their hopes for future cooperation under his second term.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was quick to emphasize Trump’s decisiveness, noting that the peace-through-strength policy the president had advocated during his first term presented an opportunity to bolster American leadership. Zelensky framed this as a pathway to a long-lasting, just peace, underscoring it as a top priority for his nation amidst ongoing conflict.
NATO’s chief, Mark Rutte, expressed a more direct concern with defense spending, predicting that Trump’s return to office would “turbo-charge” both defense budgets and military production across the alliance. His comments reflect the expectation that under Trump, NATO members may feel pressure to increase their defense expenditures, a key point of contention during Trump’s first term.
In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared an optimistic outlook on the future of US-Israel relations. He expressed confidence that with Trump back in the White House, the alliance between the two nations could reach “even greater heights,” suggesting that the best days of their partnership were yet to come. Netanyahu’s statement mirrored the high regard in which Trump was held by many Israeli leaders during his first presidency, especially for his strong support of Israeli interests.
European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen, meanwhile, sought to position the EU as a reliable partner for the United States. “The EU looks forward to working closely with you to tackle global challenges,” she wrote on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing the shared goals of prosperity and security. Her message suggested that despite any past tensions with Trump, the EU was eager to resume constructive dialogue and collaboration.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a personal congratulations, calling Trump his “dear friend” and expressing eagerness to work together once more to shape a better global future. Modi’s comments highlighted the longstanding cordial relations between the two leaders, which had been marked by strong diplomatic ties during Trump’s first term.
On the other side of the Atlantic, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also offered congratulations, stressing the importance of cooperation between the US and Canada. “We are strongest when we work together,” he said, referencing the two nations’ robust economic partnership. While Trudeau diplomatically acknowledged the sometimes contentious nature of their relationship, particularly on trade issues, he affirmed Canada’s commitment to collaboration.
In Germany, Chancellor Olaf Scholz reminded the world that the United States remains Germany’s “closest ally,” and emphasized that the goal of his government’s foreign policy would continue to be a strong, positive transatlantic relationship. His statement underscored the enduring importance of US-Germany ties, regardless of leadership changes in Washington.
As world leaders weighed in, it was clear that Trump’s second term would usher in a period of high expectations and continued geopolitical maneuvering. Each leader, while congratulatory, also seemed to outline their hopes for continued stability, cooperation, and mutual benefit. The international community is undoubtedly watching closely as the former president steps back into office, with an eye toward how these relationships will evolve.
