World leaders congratulate Donald Trump as he wins US election

Leaders across the world have congratulated Donald Trump for his victory over Kamala Harris to become the 47th president of the US.

One of the first and warmest messages came from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose relationship with Trump is crucial given the conflict in the region.

Netanyahu shared a uniquely personalised congratulation message addressed directly to "Dear Donald and Melania Trump" and filled with exclamation marks.

"Congratulations on history's greatest comeback!" Netanyahu said 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.

"This is a huge victory!

"In true friendship, yours, Benjamin and Sara Netanyahu."

Ukraine and Russian leaders

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Trump and said he appreciated his commitment to "peace through strength". It's unclear how significantly Trump could influence the war in Ukraine.

"I recall our great meeting with President Trump back in September, when we discussed in detail the Ukraine-US strategic partnership, the Victory Plan, and ways to put an end to Russian aggression against Ukraine," Zelenskyy said 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.

"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."

It's unclear if Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to congratulate Trump.

Ahead of the presidential race call, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said he had no information about communication between the two leaders, but emphasised that Moscow views the US as an "unfriendly" country.

Peskov reaffirmed the Kremlin's claim that the US support for Ukraine amounted to its involvement in the conflict, telling reporters: "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."

Asked if Putin's failure to congratulate Trump could hurt ties, Peskov responded that Russia-US relations already are at the "lowest point in history", adding that it will be up to the new US leadership to change the situation. He noted Putin's statements about Moscow's readiness for a "constructive dialogue based on justice, equality and readiness to take mutual concerns into account."

Peskov noted Trump's campaign statements about his intention to end wars, saying that "those were important statements, but now after the victory, while getting ready to enter the Oval Office or entering the Oval Office, statements could sometimes change".

Australian leaders react

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote on X about the relationship with the US.

"Congratulations to President Donald Trump on his election victory," he wrote.

"Australians and Americans are great friends and true allies. Working together, we can ensure the partnership between our nations and peoples remains strong into the future."

https://x.com/AlboMP/status/1854076093663527414

Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton congratulated Trump and said Americans and Australians were united by "the patriotism that drives us, and the pragmatism that defines us".

"The United States has been an overwhelming force for good in the world. When our close ally is strong and at its best, the world is at its best," Dutton said on X.

"May the years ahead be some of the most defining for our Alliance in which, driven by tests of our times, the necessity of deterrence, and the cause of securing peace through strength, we unleash the defence, industrial and economic opportunities of AUKUS at speed and scale."

Greens leader Adam Bandt did not congratulate Trump and said the election was "a pretty terrifying outcome for many of us".

"In times like these it can be easy to feel defeated. But there's too much at stake to give up hope," Bandt said on X.

"We must come together and continue our fight for people and the planet.

"My heart is with every person in the USA and around the world who feels justifiable terror tonight.

"Hold your loved ones close. Tomorrow we pick ourselves up and we continue the fight.

"Hate will not win."

Other world leaders

French President Emmanuel Macron posted on X: "Ready to work together as we were able to do during four years. With your convictions and mine. In respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity."

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she was looking forward to working with Trump again.

The EU and US "are more than just allies. We are bound by a true partnership between our people, uniting 800 million citizens," she said.

"Let us work together on a transatlantic partnership that continues to deliver for our citizens. 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," she said in a statement.

The tariffs that Trump slapped on steel and aluminium exports during his last term roiled the bloc's economy.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said he looked forward to working with 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," he added.

Rutte also praised Trump for his work during his first term to persuade US allies in NATO to ramp up defence spending.

He noted that around two-thirds of the 32 NATO allies are due to meet the organisation's main defence spending target this year.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer showed a little more enthusiasm for Trump's victory.

"Congratulations President-elect @realDonaldTrump on your historic election victory. I look forward to working with you in the years ahead," Starmer wrote.

"As the closest of allies, we stand shoulder to shoulder in defence of our shared values of freedom, democracy and enterprise."

https://x.com/Keir_Starmer/status/1854076601811570883

However, British MP Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, took to X to share a very different sentiment.

"This is a dark, dark day for people around the globe," he wrote.

"The world's largest economy and most powerful military will be led by a dangerous, destructive demagogue.

"The next President of the United States is a man who actively undermines the rule of law, human rights, international trade, climate action and global security.

"Millions of Americans – especially women and minorities – will be incredibly fearful about what comes next. We stand with them.

"Families across the UK will also be worrying about the damage Trump will do to our economy and our national security, given his record of starting trade wars, undermining NATO and emboldening tyrants like Putin."

He said it was crucial for the UK to strengthen trade and defence with Europe "to help protect ourselves from the damage Trump will do".

"Now more than ever, we must stand up for the core liberal values of equality, democracy, human rights and the rule of law – at home and around the world."

https://x.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1854073283420754221

El Salvador President Nayib Bukele was among the first world leaders to congratulate Trump on X.

"Congratulations to the President-Elect of the United States of America, @realDonaldTrump. May God bless and guide you," he wrote.

– Reported with Associated Press