The 2024 presidential election was called early in the morning of Nov. 6, 2024. The outcome, a relief to Republicans but a disappointment to Democrats, came down to a few key battleground states, also known as swing states, and President-elect Trump won the majority in every single one. The country has shifted into a period of celebration for some and mourning for others; however, it is not just America. Across the world, other countries have also had reactions to the recent election.
Prior to the election, a survey was conducted by European Elects, which polled Europeans in a variety of countries to see who they would vote for: Kamala Harris or Donald Trump. Denmark, a country aligned with Western European ideas, was overwhelmingly in favor of Harris, with only 4 % favoring Trump, while Russia, a former Soviet Union country, was the polar opposite, with 78% choosing Trump. The UK, Romania and Greece were among the countries that were equally divided, with Harris leading by a mere 10.
After the election, many international news sources reported responses from their countries.. In Germany, Der Spiegel magazine replied with the comedic headline: “Twelve Tips to Help With Trump Hangover.” A mere 11% of Germans expressed support for Trump, with many voicing concerns about his return to office. During Trump’s first presidency, he threatened to withdraw troops from Germany and cut ties with NATO. Now that he has a second term, many Germans fear he may follow through with this plan.
Trump’s proposed tariff plan will create a greater economic burden for Germany, which could hurt its successful automotive industry. Additionally, Trump has often criticized Germany’s decisions on climate action and allowing refugees to be welcomed into their country. Germany is an important ally to the United States and the continued shaming of Germany’s policies could lead to diplomatic problems between them and the United States.
Trump also promotes the use of fossil fuels and non-renewable energy, raising concerns among environmentally-conscious Germans. According to NPR, “Trump’s goal in a second term will be to boost fossil-fuel production, his campaign has said.” Many countries see this goal as a threat to the environment, fearing he will only worsen the already rising temperatures of our planet.
Russia, a country where 78% of those polled favored Trump, has also responded to the outcome of the 2024 presidential election. Currently, Russia is at war with Ukraine, a country the U.S. has been supplying aid to. Trump has promised to end the war in Ukraine within the first 24 hours of his presidency. This has made many countries concerned that the outcome of the war will not be fair for Ukrainians. Russia’s leader, President Vladimir Putin, was quick to congratulate Trump on his victory and is pleased that Trump plans to take action on the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is currently at war with Putin and therefore is wary of Trump’s reelection. He fears that Trump’s plan to swiftly end the war will result in Ukraine being forced into an unfair deal. Zelenskyy spoke with Trump to talk about the war in Ukraine not long after Trump won the election. Zelenskyy reminded Trump not to trust Putin.
The UK’s Treasury minister Darren Jones was asked how the government would respond if Trump wanted Ukraine to give up territory.
According to BBC, Jones responded by saying, “Our commitment to Ukraine as a country here in the UK is resolute.”
No matter Trump’s decision, NATO forces will continue to back Ukraine, which has provided Zelenskyy some relief.
Similar to the war in Ukraine, Palestine is currently suffering due to the Israel- Hamas war, which began on Oct. 7, 2023 and has resulted in over 43,000 Palestinian deaths and over 1,000 Israeli deaths. Although the US has supplied those in the Gaza strip with humanitarian aid, they have also backed Israel through military aid. Hamas leaders do not want Trump to continue military support for Israel. Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri said, “We urge Trump to learn from Biden’s mistakes.”
Trump, who was supportive of Israel in his first presidential term, has just appointed Marco Rubio–an avid supporter of Israel–as secretary of state. If his appointment is confirmed by the Senate, Rubio will become in charge of many of our relationships with other countries. NBC said Palestinians in Gaza believe “that a new Trump administration will make little difference to their plight” and doubt that Trump’s campaign will change anything for the better.
It is an uncertain time for the world right now as we await Trump’s inauguration. Many fear that the US’s commitment to NATO is in danger under Trump’s rule and are concerned about what this could mean for their economy and safety.
