World leaders race to congratulate Trump on election win

As Europe woke to the news that former United States President Donald Trump was on track for a historic second term in the White House early Wednesday, congratulations rolled in from leaders and right-wing allies of the Republican around the Continent.

Here’s a roundup of the early reactions.

“I warmly congratulate Donald J. Trump. The EU and the US are more than just allies. We are bound by a true partnership between our people, uniting 800 million citizens. So let’s work together on a strong transatlantic agenda that keeps delivering for them,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.

“Congratulations President-elect @realDonaldTrump on your historic election victory. I look forward to working with you in the years ahead,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said.

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

“The biggest comeback in US political history! Congratulations to President @realDonaldTrump on his enormous win,” long-time Trump ally Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán wrote on social media. “A much needed victory for the World!”

“Congratulations President Donald Trump. Ready to work together as we have done for four years,” French President Emmanuel Macron said. “With your convictions and with mine. With respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity.”

“On behalf of myself and the Italian Government, my most sincere congratulations to the President-elect of the United States, Donald Trump,” said Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

“Italy and the United States are ‘sister’ nations, linked by an unshakeable alliance, common values, and a historic friendship. It is a strategic bond, which I am sure we will now strengthen even further,” she added.

“I congratulate @realDonaldTrump on electoral success. The USA is an important strategic partner for Austria,” Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said. “We look forward to further expanding and strengthening our transatlantic relations together in order to successfully meet global challenges.”

“Congratulations @realDonaldTrump on your victory. Together, we face the serious challenges ahead. Serbia is committed to working with the USA for stability, growth, and peace,” Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said.

“Congratulations, Mr. President @realDonaldTrump! You made it happen!” Polish President Andrzej Duda said, with a string of clapping emojis.

Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said Trump’s victory was a win for “patriotism, border control, tax cuts, Christian roots, freedom of speech, commitment to world peace.”

“CONGRATULATIONS PRESIDENT TRUMP! CONGRATULATIONS AMERICA!” Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders wrote in all-caps. “NEVER STOP, ALWAYS KEEP FIGHTING AND WIN ELECTIONS!”

“Congratulations to Donald Trump on winning the presidential election. Our shared goal is to ensure that the relations between our countries remain at the highest level, despite changes in administration, and that we continue to develop them for the benefit of our citizens,” Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said.