Prominent figures share reactions following Trump’s election win

LOS ANGELES - With Donald Trump returning to the White House as the 47th President of the United States, global leaders and high-profile public figures around the world are sharing their reactions and congratulations online. 

Just after 5:30 a.m. ET Wednesday, Trump picked up 10 electoral votes from swing state Wisconsin to push him past the necessary 270 votes to clinch the White House.

FOX News first projected Trump's win, and Trump addressed supporters in a victory speech earlier Wednesday morning, although the race had yet to be called by the Associated Press. 

Jeff Bezos, the executive chairman, and former president and CEO of Amazon, offered his congratulations to Trump on social media Wednesday, wishing him "all success" in leading the country.

El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele shared a congratulatory message for Trump, wishing him well in his upcoming term.

"Congratulations to the President-Elect of the United States of America, @realDonaldTrump."

Business mogul Mark Cuban also offered his congratulations.

"Congrats @realDonaldTrump. You won fair and square. Congrats to @elonmusk as well."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu joined in with a message celebrating Trump’s projected win as "history’s greatest comeback." He added, "Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America."

French President Emmanuel Macron also expressed his readiness to work together, posting, "Ready to work together as we were able to do during four years. With your convictions and mine. In respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity."

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte expressed eagerness to work with Trump, as the former president nears the electoral votes needed to win, the Associated Press reported. 

Rutte emphasized the importance of NATO in addressing global challenges, including threats from Russia, terrorism, and competition with China, as well as the growing alignment of China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. He praised Trump’s past efforts to encourage NATO allies to increase defense spending, noting that nearly two-thirds of NATO’s 32 members are expected to meet this year’s spending target.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed eagerness to work with Trump. She emphasized the deep partnership between the E.U. and U.S., noting their combined 800 million citizens and shared economic interests.

"Let us work together on a transatlantic partnership that continues to deliver for our citizens," she stated, highlighting the millions of jobs and significant trade reliant on their relationship. Von der Leyen also recalled the impact of tariffs Trump previously imposed on E.U. steel and aluminum exports.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his support for Trump’s "peace through strength" approach. Recalling a past meeting with Trump, Zelenskyy highlighted their discussions on the Ukraine-U.S. strategic partnership and plans to counter Russian aggression.

Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s interest in fostering political and economic cooperation with the U.S. and voiced optimism about Trump’s leadership, saying, "We look forward to an era of a strong United States under President Trump’s decisive leadership." He noted that Trump’s approach aligns with Ukraine’s goal of achieving a "just peace."

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton released a statement acknowledging the results and calling for unity.

"Kamala Harris and Tim Walz ran a positive, forward-looking campaign to be proud of. The American people have voted, and Donald Trump and J.D. Vance will be the next President and Vice President of the United States. We wish them well and hope they will govern for all of us," they stated.

The Clintons emphasized the importance of unity beyond the results of any one election, urging Americans to work together for the country’s future. "We must remember that America is bigger than the results of any one election, and what we as citizens do now will make the difference between a nation that moves forward or one that falls back," they added. "We need to solve our problems and seize our opportunities together. The future of our country depends on it."

Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama issued a statement congratulating Trump and J.D. Vance on their projected victory in the 2024 election. Acknowledging their differences with the Republican ticket, the Obamas emphasized the importance of respecting democratic outcomes and the peaceful transfer of power.

They also expressed pride in Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz for their campaign efforts and acknowledged the challenges Americans face, from economic pressures to deep political divides. "Progress requires us to extend good faith and grace – even to people with whom we deeply disagree," the Obamas stated, underscoring the need for unity and democratic values moving forward.