On January 20, world leaders extended their congratulations to Donald Trump as he was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. The inauguration ceremony, moved indoors due to extreme cold weather, marked Trump’s return to the White House and ushered in a new chapter in global diplomacy. Reactions from leaders around the world reflected a mix of optimism, strategic expectations, and cautious engagement.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed hope for stronger bilateral ties and a resolution to ongoing global challenges. In a message on the X platform, he congratulated Trump, stating, “Today is a day of change and also a day of hope for the resolution of many problems, including global challenges.” Highlighting Trump’s “peace through strength” policy, Zelensky emphasized the potential for achieving a just and lasting peace. “We wish you success, President Trump! We look forward to active and mutually beneficial cooperation. We are stronger together and can provide greater security, stability, and economic growth to the world and our two nations,” he added.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte remarked that Trump’s leadership would “turbo-charge defence spending and production” among alliance members. Congratulating Trump and his Vice President J.D. Vance, Rutte’s comments reflected NATO’s strategic anticipation of increased US involvement in strengthening collective security.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of transatlantic collaboration. “The EU looks forward to working closely with you to tackle global challenges. Together, our societies can achieve greater prosperity and strengthen their common security,” she stated.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also highlighted the enduring nature of US-German relations. “The US is our closest ally, and the aim of our policy is always a good transatlantic relationship,” Scholz shared on X.

In the Middle East, reactions to Trump’s return were diverse. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu celebrated the opportunity to further solidify US-Israel relations. “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 said.

Conversely, Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri welcomed the departure of President Joe Biden, accusing him of bearing responsibility for Palestinian suffering. While cautiously optimistic, Abu Zuhri urged Trump to adopt more balanced policies in the region, warning against what he termed as “Netanyahu’s evils that want to drown the region and the world.”

Syria’s de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa expressed confidence in Trump’s ability to restore stability to the region. “We are confident that he is the leader to bring peace to the Middle East and restore stability to the region,” he stated.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated his “dear friend” Trump, expressing optimism about revitalizing US-India relations. “I look forward to working closely together once again, to benefit both our countries and to shape a better future for the world,” Modi wrote on X.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba underscored the importance of the US-Japan alliance, stating, “I look forward to collaborating with you to reinforce the enduring Japan-US partnership and jointly pursue our shared goal of a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te highlighted the shared commitment to global peace and prosperity, expressing hope for enhanced cooperation with the Trump administration. “Sincere congratulations to @realDonaldTrump &  @JDVance  on your inauguration…,” Ching-te wrote on X.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau extended congratulations while reaffirming the strength of US-Canada economic ties. However, he subtly addressed Trump’s pledge to impose a 25-percent tariff on Canadian imports, stating, “Canada and the United States have the world’s most successful economic partnership.” Trudeau’s remarks reflected a balance between optimism and the acknowledgment of potential economic tensions.

In Brazil, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva extended cautious congratulations, expressing hope for continued partnership. “I hope that (Trump) has a successful administration and that the Americans continue to be the historical partner of Brazil,” Lula said.

Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino issued a sharp rebuke to Trump’s comments about “taking back” the Panama Canal. “The canal is and will remain Panama’s,” Mulino asserted, signaling resistance to any potential policy shifts affecting Panamanian sovereignty.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, known for his nationalist rhetoric, took a defiant stance, calling for a joint effort with Trump to challenge the European Union’s policies. “Now it’s our turn to shine! It’s our turn to occupy Brussels!” he declared on X, signaling a desire to align Hungary’s policies more closely with Trump’s approach to governance.

Russian President Vladimir Putin adopted a cautiously optimistic tone, expressing a willingness to work with Trump on resolving the Ukraine conflict. “I want to emphasize that its goal should not be a brief truce … but a lasting peace based on respect for the legitimate interests of all people,” Putin stated. His remarks suggested a readiness for dialogue while underscoring Russia’s insistence on addressing its strategic concerns.

Donald Trump’s return to the presidency has elicited a wide spectrum of reactions, underscoring the complexities of contemporary geopolitics. Leaders in Europe and Asia-Pacific largely expressed optimism about revitalizing alliances, while Middle Eastern responses ranged from guarded hope to cautious skepticism. Latin America’s reactions reflected both support for bilateral ties and concern over potential US policy shifts.

Trump’s emphasis on “peace through strength” and his campaign promises to prioritize US interests have set the stage for a transformative period in international relations. As world leaders navigate this new chapter, the extent to which Trump’s policies align with their expectations will play a crucial role in shaping global stability and cooperation.

Please follow Blitz on Google News Channel