As many leaders hailed Trump inauguration, others warned of domination
7 Min Read
French President Emmanuel Macron warned that the war in Ukraine would not end "tomorrow or the day after," despite Trump's pledges to do so.
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President Donald Trump speaks to the crowd as Vice President JD Vance looks on in the VIP overflow viewing area in Emancipation Hall after being sworn in as the 47th President of the United States in the US Capitol on January 20, 2025. (AFP)
World leaders reacted Monday to Donald Trump being sworn in as the 47th President of the United States.
The ceremony was held at the Capitol's Rotunda, at noon local time (17:00 GMT) in Washington, DC, followed by an inaugural speech in which Trump took a swing at his political opponents, saying he would "liberate" the country from a "radical and corrupt establishment."
In a half-hour speech, Trump listed a number of executive orders he plans to sign to start implementing his administration’s agenda.
While many leaders hailed Trump's inauguration, others, mainly French officials, warned of domination.
Ukraine
Among the first who rushed to congratulate Donald Trump on his inauguration was Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky who said, "President Trump is always decisive, and the peace through strength policy he announced provides an opportunity to strengthen American leadership and achieve a long-term and just peace, which is the top priority."
'Israel'
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli prime minister, indicated that he believes that working again with Trump "will raise the U.S.-Israel alliance to even greater heights."
"On behalf of the people of Israel, I also want to thank you for your efforts in helping free Israeli hostages," Netanyahu said.
"I look forward to working with you to return the remaining hostages, to destroy Hamas’ military capabilities and end its political rule in Gaza, and to ensure that Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel."
China
Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized at a regular press conference that the history of bilateral relations underscores the mutual benefits of cooperation and the detrimental impact of confrontation.
Mao Ning stated that China consistently believes that a stable, healthy, and sustainable relationship between the two nations aligns with the interests of both countries and the global community.
She expressed China's readiness to work with the new US administration and adhere to principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation.
The spokesperson added that Beijing aims to strengthen dialogue, manage differences, expand mutually beneficial collaborations, and establish a constructive framework for China-US relations in this new era to benefit both nations and the world.
Canada
Keeping Canadian interests in mind, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau congratulated Trump and said Canada looks forward to working with the new US administration, asserting that this will be pursued "while protecting and defending the interests of Canadians."
The premier's remarks come despite Trump’s threats to make Canada the 51st US state and impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian products.
"Canada and the United States have the world’s most successful economic partnership. We are each other’s largest trade partners, with a relationship that creates millions of jobs, attracts billions in investment into the continent, and keeps our people safe," Trudeau said in a statement.
Turkiye
On his part, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan pointed out that "since Mr. Trump repeatedly said he would end the Russia-Ukraine war, we as Turkiye will do whatever necessary in this regard."
"We need to resolve this issue as soon as possible. This issue will be on our agenda with our talks with Mr. Trump, and we would take our steps accordingly," he stressed.
Germany
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also congratulated Trump on assuming office, noting that "the U.S. is our closest ally and the aim of our policy is always a good transatlantic relationship."
"The EU, with 27 members and more than 400 million people, is a strong union," he added.
Italy
Italian PM Giorgia Meloni told Trump she was certain that "the friendship between our nations and the values that unite us will continue to strengthen the cooperation between Italy and the USA."
"Italy will always be committed to consolidating the dialogue between the United States and Europe, as an essential pillar for the stability and growth of our communities," Meloni indicated.
Brazil
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said, "Relations between Brazil and the USA are marked by a history of cooperation, based on mutual respect and a historic friendship. Our countries have strong ties in various areas, such as trade, science, education and culture. I am sure that we can continue to make progress in these and other partnerships."
UK
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer noted that "for centuries, the relationship between our two nations has been one of collaboration, cooperation and enduring partnership ... Together, we have defended the world from tyranny and worked towards our mutual security and prosperity."
"With President Trump's longstanding affection and historical ties to the United Kingdom, I know that depth of friendship will continue," he said.
European Commission
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that the European Union looks forward to working with Trump to tackle global challenges.
"Together, our societies can achieve greater prosperity and strengthen their common security. This is the enduring strength of the transatlantic partnership," she added.
NATO
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stressed that "with President Trump back in office, we will turbo-charge defense spending & production."
Sweden
Ulf Kristersson, Sweden's prime minister, said his country "looks forward to continued close cooperation with the U.S."
Finland
Finnish President Alexander Stubb noted that Washington is Helsinki's "key strategic partner and ally."
Norway
Norwegian premier Jonas Gahr Store also mentioned that "the United States is Norway's most important ally, and there are strong ties between our two nations."
Egypt
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi also congratulated Trump on his inauguration, reaffirming his "commitment to strengthening the strategic relations between our nations and pursuing shared interests that benefit both peoples, while bolstering security and stability in our region and the world,"
"I wish President Trump success and prosperity," he added.
Lebanon
On his part, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed optimism about the positive impact of Trump's presidency on US-Lebanese ties.
Aoun pointed to the US continued support for Lebanon during challenging times and highlighted the major role Washington plays in fostering Lebanon's transition to a more stable and secure future.
Hamas
Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri expressed happiness "with the departure of Biden, who has the blood of Palestinians on his hand" and hoped "for the end of this dark era that harmed the US before anyone."
He said he looks forward to Trump building "his policies on balanced foundations that can cut the road against Netanyahu's evils that want to drown the region and the world."
France
But French President Emmanuel Macron warned that the war in Ukraine would not end "tomorrow or the day after," despite Trump's pledges to do so.
"This conflict will not end tomorrow or the day after," Macron said in his New Year's address to the French armed forces.
France, Europe will be 'crushed' if they do nothing against Trump: French PM
Ahead of the inauguration, French Prime Minister François Bayrou warned that France and Europe face the risk of being dominated, marginalized, and crushed if they fail to respond to Trump's policies.
"The United States, with the inauguration of the president, has decided on a politics that is incredibly dominating," Bayrou remarked in the southwestern city of Pau, where he serves as mayor, referencing the incoming administration's policies on the dollar, industry, and investment.
"If we do nothing then our fate will be simple. We will be dominated, we will be crushed, we will be marginalised. It is up to us, French and Europeans, as it is impossible without Europe," he asserted.
Bayrou emphasized that Trump’s inauguration "puts us face-to-face with our responsibility."
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