World leaders have rushed to congratulate Donald Trump on his victory in the United States presidential election, securing a second White House term which could have seismic implications across the globe.
Jubilation had been building through the night in the Republican former president’s camp, with key allies flying to his base in Florida as the first two swing states of Georgia and North Carolina were called for Mr Trump.
But it was the projection of a Trump victory in the crucial swing state of Pennsylvannia – worth a whopping 19 electoral college votes – which saw Democrat Kamala Harris’s route to the White House close, with Mr Trump delcared the ovaerall winner shortly after 5.00am in Washington, DC, on Wednesday.
As Mr Trump appeared on stage to triumphantly address his supporters in Florida, the more vocal of his backers worldwide began to offer their congratulations.
In one of the most widely anticipated reactions, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Mr Trump, describing the former president’s return to power as “impressive”.
He said: “ I recall our 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.”
Striking an optimistic tone, president Zelenskyy said he hoped Mr Trump’s “peace through strength” approach could bring peace in his country closer. “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,” Mr Zelenskyy said.
In Russia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov said: “Let’s not forget that we are talking about the unfriendly country that is both directly and indirectly involved in a war against our state.”
And no congratulations for Mr Trump were forthcoming from Moscow, where President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman declared that Russia-US relations were at the “lowest point in history.”
Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte said the world faces “a growing number of challenges globally, from a more aggressive Russia, to terrorism, to strategic competition with China”. And he warned of “the increasing alignment of China, Russia, North Korea and Iran”.
Mr Rutte added: “Working together through Nato helps to deter aggression, protect our collective security, and support our economies.”
Mr Trump was a strong critic of the Atlantic military alliance during his first term, accusing its other members of failing to pull their weight. Mr Rutte praised Mr Trump for his work persuading member states to ramp up defence spending, saying Nato was now “stronger, larger, and more united.”
And European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said: “I warmly congratulate Donald J Trump. The EU and the US are more than just allies. We are bound by a true partnership between our people, uniting 800 million citizens. Let us work together on a transatlantic partnership that continues to deliver for our citizens.”
Sir Keir Starmer said: “Congratulations President-elect Trump on your historic election victory. I look forward to working with you in the years ahead.”
The UK prime minister said: “As the closest of allies, we stand shoulder to shoulder in defence 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.”
Also in the UK, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: “He’s done it again. The most incredible political comeback of our lifetime.”
And Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch congratulated Donald Trump on his “historic election victory”.
“The world faces many serious challenges and I look forward to our two countries working together to confront them,” she said.
French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated Mr Trump on X. “Congratulations, President Donald Trump,” Macron wrote. German chancellor Olaf Scholz said: “I congratulate Donald Trump 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. And Italian premier Giorgia Meloni added: “Italy and the United States are sister nations, linked by an unshakeable alliance, common values and a historic friendship. It is a strategic bond, which I am sure we will now strengthen even more.”
Meanwhile hardline ministers in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government celebrated on Wednesday.
“Yesssss, God bless Trump,” National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said on X. Bezalel Smitrich said: “God bless Israel, God bless America.” Another member of the government, Culture Minister Miki Zohar, said: “We are looking forward to the next four years.”
Mr Netanyahu himself sent a warm message to the president-elect and his wife. He wrote: “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! In true friendship, yours, Benjamin and Sara Netanyahu.”
Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz added: “Congratulations to President-Elect Donald Trump on his historic victory. Together, we’ll strengthen the US-Israel alliance, bring back the hostages, and stand firm to defeat the axis of evil led by Iran.”
The hard-right Hungarian premier Viktor Orban suggested Mr Trump was “on the way to a beautiful victory”, having openly endorsed the Republican in a departure from most of his European Union neighbours. And, as the result became clearer, Mr Orban added: “The biggest comeback in US political history! Congratulations to President Donald Trump on his enormous win. A much needed victory for the world.”
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko also called Mr Trump the winner in the U.S. presidential election, Russian state-run agency RIA said on Wednesday.
Irish premier Simon Harris and deputy premier and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin have pledged to work to maintain and strengthen the historic links between Ireland and the US.
In a statement the Taoiseach said: “I congratulate President-elect Donald Trump on his victory in the US presidential election.
“Ireland and the United States have deep and historical bonds of people, and we will work to make these even stronger in the years ahead.
“The world faces many challenges and needs leadership to meet them.
“With the US and Ireland’s shared commitment to democracy and international law, we can, and will, tackle these challenges.”
The Tanaiste said regular high-level political engagement with the new US administration and on both sides of the aisle on Capitol Hill will be a high priority for the Irish Government
“We look forward to working with him and his new administration in a constructive manner, as we did during his previous administration,” he said.
“This year marks 100 years of diplomatic relations between Ireland and the United States.
“Ireland’s relationship with the United States draws its strength from our deep, historical people-to-people connections, the support of the US to peace on this Island, as well as our significant, and mutually beneficial, economic relationship.
“As we prepare to engage with a new US administration, we do so building on the strong legacy of the last 100 years.
“The high level of political bipartisan interest in Irish issues among US politicians and officials is, and will continue to be, invaluable.”
Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders also joined Mr Orban with an enthusiastic display of support for Mr Trump, writing on X/Twitter in capital letters: “Congratulations President Trump! Congratulations America! Never stop, always keep fighting and win elections!”
Nayib Bukele, president of El Salvador was another to offer an early congratulations to Mr Trump, adding: “May God bless and guide you.”
Indian prime minister Narendra Modi said: “Heartiest congratulations my friend Donald Trump on your historic election victory. … Together, let’s work for the betterment of our people and to promote global peace, stability and prosperity.”
And the former Australian prime minister Scott Morrison shared a photograph of the pair together, adding: “Congratulations President Trump.” And ex-Slovenian prime minister Janez Janša sent his congratulations to the Republican Party.
There was also a notable reaction from the global financial markets, as the US dollar surged 1.7 per cent and the yield on the 10-year US Treasury note rose to a four-month high of 4.47 per cent.
With cryptocurrency-backing X owner Elon Musk closely linked to the Trump campaign and vying for control of a possible new crypto-inspired US government department, Bitcoin also hit a record high of $75,060.