Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has spoken with incoming United States president Donald Trump following his election victory.
Albanese wrote on X on Thursday morning to confirm he had personally congratulated Trump in a call where they also discussed the importance of the Australia-United States alliance.
He said they also spoke about “the strength of the Australia-US relationship in security, AUKUS, trade and investment”.
“I look forward to working together in the interests of both our countries,” Albanese wrote on X.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has spoken with incoming United States president Donald Trump following his election victory. Source: AAP / Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP
This comes after Trump’s stronger-than-expected win, following Americans casting their ballots on Wednesday (AEDT). Polls had suggested he and Democrat rival Kamala Harris .
Trump, who will become the 47th US president, is projected to secure the necessary 270 Electoral College votes and is also currently leading the popular vote. Harris (AEDT).
Republicans are also , but the House of Representatives is still up for grabs.
Earlier on Thursday morning, Albanese told reporters his government would work closely with Trump’s administration when it is sworn in.
“I look forward to talking with President Trump and working with him in the interests of both of our nations,” he said.
“President Trump has run a campaign based on change and he’s made it clear he’s going to do things differently, so we shouldn’t be surprised as things change. But equally, we should be really confident in ourselves and our place in the world as well, and our ability to deliver on our interests together as Australians.”
Albanese has never met the incoming leader, and in 2017, when Trump was serving as the 45th US president, he said he “scared the sh-t” out of him.
The possibility of a Trump election had previously raised , Australia’s largest trading partner.
But Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong have signalled the Australia-US alliance would remain strong, despite policy differences likely to emerge.
“It’s an alliance which has, throughout its history, have been times where leaders and governments have disagreed,” Wong told ABC Radio on Thursday.
“The previous Trump administration withdrew from global commitments on climate, we did not do so.
“We will continue to work with the new administration and the alliance is big enough and strong enough to deal with differences. Ultimately we share a high degree of alignment in strategic objectives.”
Opposition leader Peter Dutton also extended his congratulations to the Republican leader on behalf of the federal Coalition.
He described the US as an “overwhelming force for good”, declaring the world was at its best when Australia’s close ally was strong and at its best.
Here’s how other leaders have reacted to Trump’s victory.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Trump on his “impressive election victory”, saying he looked forward to “discussing ways to strengthen Ukraine’s strategic partnership with the US”.
“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,” Zelenskyy said on X.
“We look forward to an era of a strong United States of America under President Trump’s decisive leadership. We rely on continued strong bipartisan support for Ukraine in the United States.”
Trump’s previous comments about the Russia-Ukraine war for Ukraine under his administration.
He’s also claimed he’d be able to
India’s PM Narendra Modi
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent “heartfelt congratulations” to his “friend Donald Trump on [his] historic election victory”.
“As you build on the successes of your previous term, I look forward to renewing our collaboration to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership,” he said.
“Together, let’s work for the betterment of our people and to promote global peace, stability and prosperity.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau congratulated Donald Trump on his election victory overnight, saying he would seek to “work together” to bolster the economies and security of both nations.
“The friendship between Canada and the U.S. is the envy of the world,” Trudeau posted X alongside a photo of the two during Trump’s previous term as president.
“I know President Trump and I will work together to create more opportunity, prosperity, and security for both of our nations.”
Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu
In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was “history’s greatest comeback” and national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir tweeted: “Yesssss, God bless Trump”.
Netanyahu went on to say: “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. This is a huge victory! In true friendship.”
said Donald Trump would be “a lot more pro-Israeli” than Harris.
Ian Parmeter, a research scholar at the Australian National University’s Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies, said “Trump is likely to give a much freer rein to Netanyahu to do what he needs to win the war”.
Another — Emma Shortis, a senior researcher in international and security affairs at public policy think-tank The Australia Institute — said it was difficult to say “with certainty” what Trump’s stance on the Middle East would be, noting his policy positions “often depend on who he spoke to last”.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer
UK Prime Minister Starmer congratulated Trump on his “historic election victory”.
“I look forward to working with you in the years ahead,” he said.
“As the closest of allies, we stand shoulder to shoulder in defence of our shared values of freedom, democracy and enterprise.”
France’s President Emmanuel Macron
French President Emmanuel Macron said: “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.”
Brazilian President Luiz Inacia Lula Da Silva
Brazilian President Luiz Inacia Lula Da Silva extended his “congratulations to President Donald Trump on his electoral victory and return to the presidency of the United States”.
“Democracy is the voice of the people and it must always be respected. The world needs dialogue and joint work to have more peace, development and prosperity. I wish the new government luck and success.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, “warmly” congratulated Trump.
“The EU [European Union] and the US are more than just allies. We are bound by a true partnership between our people, uniting 800 million citizens.
“So let’s work together on a strong transatlantic agenda that keeps delivering for them.”
NATO chief Mark Rutte
Rutte congratulated Trump and emphasised that members were increasing their military spending, a response to a persistent Trump criticism of the Western alliance.
“I just congratulated Donald Trump on his election as President of the United States. His leadership will again be key to keeping our Alliance strong. I look forward to working with him again to advance peace through strength through NATO,” Rutte said in a post on social media platform X.
With reporting by the Australian Associated Press and Reuters.
