Leaders around the world responded Donald Trump’s returns to the White House on Monday, offering general well wishes and extending geopolitical olive branches.
While President Trump set the tone in his inaugural address, declaring that he would “put America first,” he also drew attention to specific areas like Mexico, Panama and China – raising more questions about how the new US policy will the 47th President of the United States could take shape.
Neither the governments of China, Mexico or Panama responded to Fox News Digital’s questions following Trump’s comments during his speech inaugural speechincluding when he promised to ‘take back’ the Panama Canal, which the US had completely transferred to Panama in 1999.
“China operates the Panama Canal. And we didn’t give it to China. We gave it to Panama,” the president said. “And we take it back.”
Trump also promised to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and promised to reinstate his “Remain in Mexico” policy.
President-elect Trump arrives at the US Capitol for his inauguration on January 20, 2025. (Melina Mara/Pool/Getty Images)
TOP OBJECTIVES
Panama President José Raúl Mulino issued a negative statement Trump’s comments said, “The Canal is and will remain Panama’s and its administration will remain under Panamanian control with respect to its permanent neutrality.”
“There is no nation in the world that is interfering with our government,” he added, disputing Trump’s suggestion that the US was “giving” the canal to Panama.
“Dialogue is always the way to clarify the points raised without undermining our right, total sovereignty and ownership of our channel,” Mulino said.
Reports suggested that Mexico rejected Trump’s plans to implement a ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy and at a Monday morning conference, Juan Ramón de la Fuente, Mexico’s Minister of Foreign Relations, said: ‘If they reintroduce it, this is something what we don’t do. I agree. We have a different focus, we want to adapt it.”
“The desire is to maintain the same policy as now,” he added.
China appears to have made no comment publicly after Trump’s inaugural address, which was attended by Chinese Vice President Han Zheng.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Argentine President Javier Milei and Chinese Vice President Han Zheng attend the inauguration of Donald Trump at the US Capitol on January 20, 2025. (Shawn Thew/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)
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ABOUT THE WAR IN UKRAINE
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Trump on his return to the White House and suggested he may be open to peace talks with Ukraine.
“We see the statements of the newly elected President of the United States and members of his team about the desire to restore direct contacts with Russia,” Putin said, according to a Reuters translation.
“We also hear his statement on the need to do everything possible to prevent World War III,” he added. “We naturally welcome this attitude and congratulate the President-elect of the United States of America on taking office.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky similarly extended his congratulations just before the inauguration ceremony, saying: “I congratulate President Trump and the American people on the inauguration of the 47th President of the United States. Today is a day of change and also a day of hope for the solution of many problems, including global challenges.
“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 just peace, which is the top priority,” he added.
Former President Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Trump Tower, September 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
TRUMP IS CALLING US TO WITHDRAW FROM THE WORLD ORGANIZATION
EUROPEAN ALLIES
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte offered his “warm congratulations,” saying in a message on X: “Now that President Trump is back in power, we will boost the economy. defense spending and production.”
The head of the European Union, Ursula von der Leyen, also addressed X, saying the international organization “looks forward to working closely with you to tackle global challenges.”
“Together our societies can achieve greater prosperity and strengthen their common security,” she added.
While many countries in Europe including Norway, Sweden, Finland, Italy, Germany and Britain congratulated TrumpWhile several leaders declared the U.S. to be their closest ally, other countries in Europe were less willing to offer outspoken congratulations.
French President Emmanuel Macron has one note of warning when he gave a speech to the French army on Monday.
Macron said Trump’s presidency was an “opportunity for a European strategic wake-up call” and highlighted scenarios that some feared could affect European security, such as a reduction in the US military presence in Europe if Washington chooses to to shift focus to security problems in Asia. instead of.
Donald Trump waves to supporters in West Palm Beach, Florida. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
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MIDDLE EAST
Only one more day in the a long-term ceasefire between Israel and Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted a video message on
“The best days of our alliance are yet to come,” he added.
Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri also commented on the inauguration of the 47th president, saying: “We welcome the departure of Biden, who has the blood of the Palestinians on his hand,” Reuters reported.
“We hope at the end of this dark era that has harmed the US like no other and that Trump can build his policies on a balanced foundation that can pave the way against Netanyahu’s evil that wants to drown the region and the world,” he added to.
