Global leaders respond to Trump’s return to the White House

Leaders worldwide shared their thoughts on Donald Trump’s return to the White House, expressing positive sentiments and showing openness to diplomatic discussions.

In his inaugural speech, President Trump emphasized his commitment to prioritize America’s interests while also highlighting specific countries like Mexico, Panama, and China. This focus has led to speculation on how the policies of the new administration will unfold under the leadership of the 47th U.S. president.

Despite Trump’s references to China, Mexico, and Panama during his address, there was no immediate response from the respective governments to inquiries from Fox News Digital. This lack of response includes queries regarding Trump’s intention to “reclaim” the Panama Canal, a significant historical event as the U.S. formally transferred control of the canal to Panama back in 1999.

“China is operating the Panama Canal. And we didn’t give it to China. We gave it to Panama,” the president said.  “And we’re taking it back.”

Trump also vowed to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, and pledged to reinstate his “Remain in Mexico” policies.

President-elect Trump arrives for his inauguration at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20, 2025. (Melina Mara/Pool/Getty Images)

EUROPEAN ALLIES

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte offered his “warm congratulations” and in a post on X said, “With President Trump back in office we will turbo-charge defense spending and production.”

European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen also took to X and said the international body “looks forward to working closely with you to tackle global challenges.”

“Together, our societies can achieve greater prosperity and strengthen their common security,” she added. 

While many nations in Europe, including Norway, Sweden, Finland, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom, congratulated Trump, with several leaders pronouncing that the U.S. is their closest ally, other nations in Europe were less willing to issue pronounced congratulations.

French President Emmanuel Macron issued a note of warning when giving a speech to the French military on Monday.

Macron said the Trump presidency was an “opportunity for a European strategic wake-up call” and highlighted scenarios that some have feared could affect European security, like a lessening of U.S. military presence in Europe if Washington opts to shift focus toward security concerns in Asia instead. 

Donald Trump waves to supporters in West Palm Beach, Florida. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

MIDDLE EAST 

Just one day into the long-brokered cease-fire between Israel and Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted a video message on X in which he congratulated Trump and said, “I believe that working together again we will raise the US-Israel alliance to even greater heights.”

“The best days of our alliance are yet to come,” he added. 

Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri also commented on the inauguration of the 47th president, saying, “We are happy with the departure of Biden, who has the blood of Palestinians on his hand,” reported Reuters.  

“We hope for the end of this dark era that harmed the U.S. before anyone and that Trump can build his policies on balanced foundations that can cut the road against Netanyahu’s evils that want to drown the region and the world,” he added.