European leaders congratulate Trump as Harris comeback looks unlikely

Reactions from across the Atlantic poured in on Wednesday morning as Donald Trump took to the stage in Florida to claim election victory after securing almost enough electoral votes to beat his Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris.

Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was the first to congratulate Trump on “the biggest comeback in US political history,” calling it “a much-needed victory for the world” in a post on X.

“It’s in the bag,” he said earlier on Wednesday.

France and Austria followed suit, with French President Emmanuel Macron posting on the same social network, “Congratulations, President Donald Trump.”

“Ready to work together as we did for four years. With your convictions and mine. With respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity,” Macron added.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also took to social media shortly after Trump gave a speech claiming his victory.

“I appreciate President Trump’s commitment to the ‘peace through strength’ approach in global affairs. This is exactly the principle that can practically bring just peace in Ukraine closer. I am hopeful that we will put it into action together,” Zelenskyy said.

Trump has previously said he would cut military funding to the war-torn country fighting against Russia’s all-out invasion well into its third year.

Nevertheless, the Ukrainian leader said Kyiv was ” interested in developing mutually beneficial political and economic cooperation that will benefit both of our nations,” adding that he was looking forward to meeting Trump in person.

Austria’s Karl Nehammer congratulated the Republican candidate and former president before adding that Washington was an important partner for Europe’s alpine nation.

“We look forward to further expanding and strengthening our transatlantic relations to successfully address global challenges together,” Nehammer said.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić was also among those taking to social media to congratulate Trump.

“Together we are facing serious challenges in front of us. Serbia is dedicated to cooperating with the US on stability, prosperity and peace,” Vučić said in a post on his official Instagram account.

Projections put Trump as leading in three swing states, including critical Pennsylvania — securing 267 electoral college votes out of the 270 he needs to win.

In the US, Trump’s allies began to applaud him on securing a second term before the projections for Pennsylvania were announced.

Robert F Kennedy Jr, who Trump has said could secure a role in his administration, said Trump’s victory was “historic”.

“Let’s bring the country together and Make America Healthy Again,” RFK Jr added.

Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy lauded Trump and his vice presidential candidate, JD Vance, saying, “Your historic victory is a win for us all.”

This is a developing story and our journalists are working on further updates.