World reacts to ‘historic’ Trump win

While polls from traditional US media outlets had predicted the race on a knife edge, the Republican candidate fared far better than his Democratic opponent Vice President Kamala Harris as results rolled in on Wednesday.

While Ms Harris is yet to formally concede, world leaders from all corners of the globe have begun sharing their congratulatory messages with the man they will be dealing with on everything America in 2025.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reflected on the “important moment for the world” and said he hoped Australia can work closely with Mr Trump’s administration to achieve stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Promises of ending global conflicts and easing tensions have been a major feature in Mr Trump’s campaign, with the President-elect vowing to set things straight with Russia among other geopolitical flashpoints. 

“I congratulate President Trump on his election victory,” Mr Albanese said in a statement released Wednesday night.

“The election of the President of the United States is always an important moment for the world, for our region and for Australia.

“Our Government will work closely with the new Trump Administration to realise the benefits of our strong economic partnership.

“The United States has long played a leadership role in the stability and security of the Indo-Pacific. Australia will strive to strengthen the co-operation between our two nations in the region.

“Australia and America are old allies and we are true friends. Our nations are bound by a history of shared sacrifice, a commitment to common values and – above all – enduring respect and affection between our peoples.

“I look forward to talking with President Trump and working with him in the best interests of both our nations.”

 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also congratulated Mr Trump and applauded his “peace through strength” approach. With the Ukraine war still raging, Zelensky hopes a new leader of the US can cut through the muck and produce meaningful change for the millions of civilians stuck in a war zone.

“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,” said Zelenskyy on X. 

Zelenskyy said that Ukraine is interested “in developing mutually beneficial political and economic cooperation that will benefit both of our nations.”

“We look forward to an era of a strong United States of America under President Trump’s decisive leadership,” he said.

“I appreciate President Trump’s commitment to the ‘peace through strength’ approach in global affairs. 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.”

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday congratulated “President Donald Trump”, saying he was ready to work with the US vote frontrunner “with respect and ambition” like “we managed to do for four years”.

In a post on X, Macron said that the relationship with Trump, who is leading the US presidential vote, would “take account of your convictions, and mine”, adding: “For more peace and prosperity.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also congratulated the 78-year-old.

“Congratulations on history’s greatest comeback!” he wrote on X.

“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.”

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte says he wants to work with Mr Trump “to advance peace through strength”.

“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.”

Meanwhile the global economy is feeling the seismic effects of the election. 

The dollar surged and bitcoin hit a record high even before Mr Trump claimed victory in the US election, with traders ramping up bets on fresh tax cuts, tariffs, and rising inflation.