It’s a historic day (or, as our British cousins would say, an historic day) for the United States. The world was pretty shaken up the first time we did this, when George Washington first gave up the executive power, handed the presidency over to Thomas Jefferson, and, like the old Roman Cincinattus, went back to his farm. A lot of European kings, emperors, and potentates looked at this peaceful transition of power, determined by adherence to a written Constitution, with some apprehension; even then, they knew a new pattern of government was emerging in the New World.
Ever since, world leaders have offered their congratulations to incoming American presidents, all the more so since we have arisen from those 13 colonies on the coast to a Colossus that stands astride a continent. Today is no exception; here are some of their messages.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
“I believe that working together again we will raise the U.S.-Israel alliance to even greater heights. On behalf of the people of Israel, I also want to thank you for your efforts in helping free Israeli hostages. I look forward to working with you to return the remaining hostages, to destroy Hamas’ military capabilities and end its political rule in Gaza, and to ensure that Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel.”
The Israeli PM just recently gave the incoming Trump a nod for helping to negotiate the current cease-fire, but if we have learned anything from the history of Israel, it is that these cease-fires are always temporary.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau:
“Congratulations, President Trump. Canada and the U.S. have the world’s most successful economic partnership. We have the chance to work together again — to create more jobs and prosperity for both our nations.”
We should note that Trudeau won’t be Prime Minister much longer, which may well actually improve US/Great White North relations.
British Prime Minister Kier Starmer:
“For centuries, the relationship between our two nations has been one of collaboration, cooperation and enduring partnership … Together, we have defended the world from tyranny and worked towards our mutual security and prosperity.”
“With President Trump’s longstanding affection and historical ties to the United Kingdom, I know that depth of friendship will continue.”
The “special relationship” that the United States has with the United Kingdom has been somewhat strained in recent years, starting with Barack Obama’s disrespectful removal of the bust of Winston Churchill from the Oval Office. That move was also rather insulting to America, as Churchill was also ours — his mother was an American.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni:
“I am certain that the friendship between our nations and the values that unite us will continue to strengthen the cooperation between Italy and the USA … Italy will always be committed to consolidating the dialogue between the United States and Europe, as an essential pillar for the stability and growth of our communities.”
PM Meloni was known to be, shall we say, not overly enamored of Joe Biden; her eye-rolls when dealing with the former president were legendary. She is reportedly much happier to be dealing with President Trump.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy:
“President Trump is always decisive, and the peace through strength policy he announced provides an opportunity to strengthen American leadership and achieve a long-term and just peace, which is the top priority.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin:
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Trump on his return to office, specifically his “desire to restore direct contacts with Russia, which were interrupted through no fault of our own by the outgoing administration.”
“We also hear his statements about the need to do everything to prevent a third World War,” Putin said during a meeting with members of the Russian Security Council. “Of course, we welcome this attitude and congratulate the U.S. president-elect on taking office.”
Interestingly, as of this writing, there has been no official response from the People’s Republic of China or its President, Xi Jinping, which seems odd, since China is, at the moment, the United State’s primary geopolitical adversary.
There will no doubt be more reactions from world leaders, and we’ll bring them to you as they come in. But one thing is certain: These and other world leaders, unlike in previous elections, are dealing with a known quantity. Donald Trump has held this position before; they know him, and they know what to expect. And they know, beyond any doubt, that dealing with the United States today will be very different than dealing with the United States yesterday.
