Heads of state from around the world, both friends and foes of the United States, congratulated President Donald Trump on his return to the White House on Monday and wished him well in his second term.
Mr. Trump was sworn in on Monday morning along with Vice President J.D. Vance. He delivered an inaugural address that touched on several major international issues, including the drug cartels ravaging Mexico along the U.S. border and the national security threat posed by Chinese influence in Latin America.
Trump also broke historical precedent by becoming the first to welcome a foreign leader to his inauguration, an event traditionally attended by ambassadors. Among those in attendance on Monday were Argentina's President Javier Millei, Ecuador's President Daniel Novoa, Paraguay's President Santiago Peña and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. On Monday, Meloni posted a photo on social media alongside President Trump, expressing his hopes for bilateral cooperation and saying, “I pray for his soul.”
“I am confident that the friendship between our two countries and the values that unite us will continue to strengthen cooperation between Italy and the United States,” she wrote in Italian. our people. ”
“Italy remains committed to strengthening the dialogue between the United States and Europe as an essential pillar for the stability and growth of the community,” Meloni concluded.
Several other people, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and genocidal Chinese dictator Xi Jinping, were also reportedly invited, but in their place were senior officials, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Han Zhen. The vice president was reportedly dispatched.
After the swearing-in ceremony, Modi was the first to issue a message congratulating Trump, calling him “my dear friend.”
“I look forward to working closely again to benefit both countries and shape a better future for the world. I wish you a successful upcoming semester!” he wrote on social media.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy also congratulated President Trump. Zelensky maintained friendly relations with President Trump during his first term, but was critical of Trump's campaign to end Washington's lavish spending on the Ukraine war.
“Today is a day of change, but also a day of hope for solutions to many problems, including global challenges,” Zelenskiy wrote, congratulating Trump on his return as president and “always decisive.” ” he praised.
“The policy of peace through strength he announced provides an opportunity to strengthen American leadership and achieve a long-term and just peace, which is our top priority,” President Zelenskiy's message continued. “This century is taking shape right now, and we must all work together to make this a great and successful century for democracies, not democracies that want us to fail. I wish you success, President Trump!”
Leaders of America's closest allies also sent messages welcoming Trump back to the international stage. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has released a video recalling the “landmark moments” of President Trump's first term on the Middle East.
“We withdrew from the dangerous Iran nuclear deal, recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital, moved the US embassy to Jerusalem, and recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights,” Netanyahu recalled. “I believe that by working together again, we can take the U.S.-Israel alliance to even greater heights.”
“We are confident that we will complete the defeat of the Iranian axis of terror and usher in a new era of peace and prosperity in the region,” he asserted.
Left-leaning British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also released a video praising the “unparalleled close ties” between Washington and London and expecting a “lasting partnership” with the United States.
“Together we have defended the world against tyranny and worked towards mutual security and prosperity,” Starmer said. “I am confident that the depth of our friendship will continue due to President Trump's long-standing affection and historic ties to the United Kingdom.”
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-toku also expressed hope for closer ties with the United States during the Trump administration. Taiwan is a sovereign nation, but thanks to diplomatic maneuvering under former President Jimmy Carter, Washington has not formally recognized the reality of Taiwan's existence. Doing so would automatically sever ties with Communist China.
“Heartiest congratulations” [President Trump and Vice President Vance] About the Inauguration Ceremony” Rai I wrote in messages on social media. “Taiwan looks forward to working with your administration to promote lasting freedom, peace, and prosperity around the world. We wish you great success in the years ahead.”
In 2016, Trump broke decades of precedent by accepting a phone call from Lai's predecessor, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, to congratulate him on his election victory. The brief phone call alarmed U.S. national security officials and infuriated Beijing, which ultimately did not take any significant retaliatory action on the issue.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also issued a congratulatory statement, calling the United States its “closest ally.”
“The objective of our policy has always been good transatlantic relations. With 27 member states and a population of over 400 million people, the EU is a powerful union,” Scholz wrote.
From Canada, President Trump received congratulations from outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Prime Minister Trudeau, who has led the nation's politics as a leftist for a decade, announced in early January that he would step down as Canada's leader after a meeting with President Trump at his Mar-a-Lago mansion caused an uproar among Liberal Party members. did. He is seen as too friendly and weak next to Trump. Former Economy Minister Chrystia Freeland, one of Trudeau's closest officials, resigned after releasing a blistering letter criticizing Trudeau. She is considered the frontrunner to succeed him.
“Canada and the United States have one of the most successful economic partnerships in the world, and we have an opportunity to work together again to create more jobs and prosperity for both countries,” Prime Minister Trudeau said in his congratulatory message.
Reported by Russian strongman Vladimir Putin issued On Monday, he sent a friendly message to President Trump, praising his “statements about the need to do everything possible to prevent World War III.”
“Of course we welcome this gesture and congratulate the next president of the United States on his inauguration,” he told the Security Council.
The vice president of the Communist Party of China attended the inauguration ceremony, but did not offer formal congratulations. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Mao Ning issued This message has more of a warning than a friendship, and advocates “peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation.”
“I have always believed that the steady, healthy and sustainable development of China-US relations is in the common interests of both countries and is what the international community expects,” Mao Zedong told reporters at a regular press conference. ” he said. “China will work with the new US government to strengthen dialogue and communication, properly manage differences, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and find the right way for the two countries to get along in the new era, Ready to benefit” and the world too. ”
