عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
World

International Reaction to Trump’s Inauguration

US President Donald Trump speaks after being sworn in as the 47th President in the US Capitol Rotunda in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025. (AFP)
US President Donald Trump speaks after being sworn in as the 47th President in the US Capitol Rotunda in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025. (AFP)
TT
TT

International Reaction to Trump’s Inauguration

US President Donald Trump speaks after being sworn in as the 47th President in the US Capitol Rotunda in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025. (AFP)
US President Donald Trump speaks after being sworn in as the 47th President in the US Capitol Rotunda in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025. (AFP)

The following is reaction from global leaders to Donald Trump being sworn in as US president on Monday. 

VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY, UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT 

"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 and just peace, which is the top priority." 

BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER 

"I believe that working together again we will raise the US-Israel alliance to even greater heights." 

"On behalf of the people of Israel, I also want to thank you for your efforts in helping free Israeli hostages. 

"I look forward to working with you to return the remaining hostages, to destroy Hamas’ military capabilities and end its political rule in Gaza, and to ensure that Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel." 

RECEP TAYYIP ERDOGAN, PRESIDENT OF TÜRKIYE 

"Since Mr. Trump repeatedly said he would end the Russia-Ukraine war, we as Türkiye will do whatever necessary in this regard. We need to resolve this issue as soon as possible. This issue will be on our agenda with our talks with Mr. Trump, and we would take our steps accordingly. I wish Mr. Trump's second term would bring good for all humanity." 

OLAF SCHOLZ, GERMAN CHANCELLOR 

"Today President Donald Trump takes office. Congratulations! The US is our closest ally and the aim of our policy is always a good transatlantic relationship. The EU, with 27 members and more than 400 million people, is a strong union." 

JUSTIN TRUDEAU, CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER 

"Congratulations, President Trump. Canada and the US have the world’s most successful economic partnership. We have the chance to work together again — to create more jobs and prosperity for both our nations." 

KEIR STARMER, BRITISH PRIME MINISTER 

"For centuries, the relationship between our two nations has been one of collaboration, cooperation and enduring partnership ... Together, we have defended the world from tyranny and worked towards our mutual security and prosperity." 

"With President Trump's longstanding affection and historical ties to the United Kingdom, I know that depth of friendship will continue." 

GIORGIA MELONI, PRIME MINISTER OF ITALY 

"I am certain that the friendship between our nations and the values that unite us will continue to strengthen the cooperation between Italy and the USA ... Italy will always be committed to consolidating the dialogue between the United States and Europe, as an essential pillar for the stability and growth of our communities." 

URSULA VON DER LEYEN, EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT 

"Best wishes President @realDonaldTrump, for your tenure as 47th President of the United States. The EU looks forward to working closely with you to tackle global challenges. Together, our societies can achieve greater prosperity and strengthen their common security. This is the enduring strength of the transatlantic partnership." 

MARK RUTTE, NATO SECRETARY GENERAL 

"With President Trump back in office we will turbo-charge defense spending & production. My warm congratulations to @realDonaldTrump on his inauguration as 47th President of the USA, and to @JDVance as Vice President. Together we can achieve peace through strength - through @NATO." 

LUIZ INACIO LULA DA SILVA, PRESIDENT OF BRAZIL 

"On behalf of the Brazilian government, I congratulate President Donald Trump on his inauguration. Relations between Brazil and the USA are marked by a history of cooperation, based on mutual respect and a historic friendship. Our countries have strong ties in various areas, such as trade, science, education and culture. I am sure that we can continue to make progress in these and other partnerships." 

CHARLES, BRITAIN’S KING 

The king has sent a personal message of congratulations to President Trump on his inauguration, reflecting on the enduring special relationship between the UK and US, according to Buckingham Palace. 

ULF KRISTERSSON, PRIME MINISTER OF SWEDEN 

"Warm congratulations @realDonaldTrump on being sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. Sweden looks forward to continued close cooperation with the US." 

ALEXANDER STUBB, PRESIDENT OF FINLAND 

"I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to you @realDonaldTrump as you assume office as the President of the United States. The US is our key strategic partner and ally. I look forward to close cooperation during your term." 

JONAS GAHR STOERE, PRIME MINISTER OF NORWAY 

"I congratulate President Donald Trump. The United States is Norway's most important ally, and there are strong ties between our two nations. I look forward to a good working relationship with President Trump and his new administration," Stoere said in a statement." 

HAMAS OFFICIAL SAMI ABU ZUHRI 

"We are happy with the departure of Biden, who has the blood of Palestinians on his hand. We hope for the end of this dark era that harmed the US before anyone and that Trump can build his policies on balanced foundations that can cut the road against Netanyahu's evils that want to drown the region and the world." 

SYRIA'S DE FACTO LEADER AHMED AHMED AL-SHARAA 

"The past decade has brought immense suffering to Syria, with the conflict devastating our nation and destabilizing the region. We are confident that he is the leader to bring peace to the Middle East and restore stability to the region". 

TAIWAN PRESIDENT LAI CHING-TE 

"The United States is an important security, economic, and trade partner of Taiwan, and a strong ally that shares the values of democracy and freedom. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to the new President Donald J. Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance." 

CUBAN PRESIDENT MIQUEL DIAZ-CANEL 

US President Donald Trump's action of putting the Caribbean nation back on the US' state sponsors of terrorism list was "an act of arrogance and disregard for the truth." 

JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER SHIGERU ISHIBA 

"I listened to President Trump's inaugural speech, and I felt that it was 'Make America Great Again' itself. Traditionally, inaugural speech by presidents have been more about setting a tone...I felt very much that it sounded like a continuation of what Mr. Trump had been saying throughout his campaign. President Trump prioritizes bilateral negotiations over multilateral frameworks, so we will focus on how to leverage the national interests of both countries to contribute to world peace and the global economy. We aim to establish a trusting relationship through substantial discussions." 

AUSTRALIA PRIME MINISTER ANTHONY ALBANESE 

"I congratulate President Trump on his inauguration, it is a significant achievement to be elected President of the United States of America, not once but twice now, and I look forward to having a constructive engagement with him." 

SOUTH KOREA'S ACTING PRESIDENT CHOI SANG-MOK 

"The government will strive to further strengthen policy cooperation with the United States and promote mutual interests based on the shared value of the Korea-US alliance," Choi said, citing the alliance's slogan of "We Go Together". 

HONG KONG LEADER JOHN LEE 

Hopes for full efforts with US President Donald Trump to promote positive relations between Washington and the Chinese-ruled city, although "we will always be prepared for the worst". 

Most Viewed

 
 
World

WHO Chief Tells Tenerife People that Risk from Hantavirus-hit Ship 'Low'

Crew members of the hantavirus-stricken cruise ship, MV Hondius, wait their turns for a first interview with epidemiologists, during the voyage to Spain’s port of Tenerife, May 6, 2026. (AP Photo)
Crew members of the hantavirus-stricken cruise ship, MV Hondius, wait their turns for a first interview with epidemiologists, during the voyage to Spain’s port of Tenerife, May 6, 2026. (AP Photo)
TT
TT

WHO Chief Tells Tenerife People that Risk from Hantavirus-hit Ship 'Low'

Crew members of the hantavirus-stricken cruise ship, MV Hondius, wait their turns for a first interview with epidemiologists, during the voyage to Spain’s port of Tenerife, May 6, 2026. (AP Photo)
Crew members of the hantavirus-stricken cruise ship, MV Hondius, wait their turns for a first interview with epidemiologists, during the voyage to Spain’s port of Tenerife, May 6, 2026. (AP Photo)

The WHO chief told the people of Tenerife Saturday that the risk to them from an arriving cruise ship hit with a deadly hantavirus outbreak was "low".

"I need you to hear me clearly: this is not another Covid," World Health Organization director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus wrote in an open letter to the people of the Spanish island where the MV Hondius was expected to arrive Sunday.

"The current public health risk from hantavirus remains low."

The Dutch-flagged cruise ship was expected to reach waters off Tenerife at dawn, with Tedros also due on the archipelago to help coordinate the evacuation of around 150 people on board, The AP news reported.

Three passengers from the ship -- a Dutch husband and wife and a German woman -- have died, while others have fallen sick with the rare disease, which usually spreads among rodents.

The only hantavirus type that can transmit from person to person -- the Andes virus -- has been confirmed among those who have tested positive, fuelling international concern.

It has also sparked fears among people of the Canary Islands, with regional authorities having refused to allow the vessel to dock, deciding it will remain offshore while passengers are screened and evacuated.

- 'Serious' -

In his open letter, Tedros hailed the people of Tenerife for their solidarity and said he had thanked Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez personally for Spain agreeing to take on its "moral duty" and receive the ship.

"I know you are worried," Tedros wrote in his open letter.

"I know that when you hear the word 'outbreak' and watch a ship sail toward your shores, memories surface that none of us have fully put to rest. The pain of 2020 is still real, and I do not dismiss it for a single moment," he said.

Tedros acknowledged that the Andes strain of hantavirus "is serious".

"Three people have lost their lives, and our hearts go out to their families," he said, stressing though that "the risk to you, living your daily life in Tenerife, is low".

"This is the WHO's assessment, and we do not make it lightly."

An expert with the United Nations health agency was on board and had determined that currently "there are no symptomatic passengers", Tedros said.

He also highlighted that "medical supplies are in place" and stressed that Spanish authorities had prepared a "careful, step-by-step plan" for the evacuation.

According to that plan, he said, "passengers will be ferried ashore at the industrial port of Granadilla, far from residential areas, in sealed, guarded vehicles, through a completely cordoned-off corridor, and repatriated directly to their home countries".

"You will not encounter them. Your families will not encounter them."

- Deemed 'nearest port' -

The WHO chief insisted the request for Spain to receive the ship "was not made arbitrarily", pointing out that under International Health Regulations, "the nearest port with sufficient medical capacity must be identified to ensure the safety and dignity of those on board".

"Nearly 150 people from 23 countries have been at sea for weeks, some of them grieving, all of them frightened, all of them longing for home," he said.

Tedros said he was travelling to Tenerife to observe the evacuation operation personally, to "stand alongside" health workers and port staff, and to "pay my respects" to the island and its response.

"The WHO stands with you, and with every person on that ship, every step of the way," he said.

World

Frontier Airlines Plane Suffers Engine Fire, Reportedly Hits Pedestrian in Denver

Frontier airlines planes are parked at the boarding gates at Tampa International Airport in Tampa, Florida, US, July 19, 2024. REUTERS/Octavio Jones/File Photo
Frontier airlines planes are parked at the boarding gates at Tampa International Airport in Tampa, Florida, US, July 19, 2024. REUTERS/Octavio Jones/File Photo
TT
TT

Frontier Airlines Plane Suffers Engine Fire, Reportedly Hits Pedestrian in Denver

Frontier airlines planes are parked at the boarding gates at Tampa International Airport in Tampa, Florida, US, July 19, 2024. REUTERS/Octavio Jones/File Photo
Frontier airlines planes are parked at the boarding gates at Tampa International Airport in Tampa, Florida, US, July 19, 2024. REUTERS/Octavio Jones/File Photo

A Frontier Airlines passenger jet abandoned its take-off for Los Angeles late on Friday after suffering an engine fire and reportedly striking a pedestrian on the runway at Denver International Airport, the airline and the airport said.

Denver ⁠International Airport said ⁠that a brief engine fire had been promptly extinguished by the fire department.

According to Reuters, Frontier said that smoke was reported in ⁠the cabin of the Airbus A321 and the pilots aborted takeoff.

The company said the flight was carrying 224 passengers and seven crew members, all of whom safely evacuated.

Neither the airline nor the airport gave details on ⁠the pedestrian ⁠who was reportedly struck. Frontier said it was investigating the incident and gathering more information in coordination with the airport and other safety authorities.

At least one passenger suffered a minor injury, ABC News reported.

World

Putin Attends Scaled-back WW2 Victory Parade

Russian servicemen march during the Victory Day military parade on the Red square in Moscow, Russia, 09 May 2026. EPA/MAXIM SHIPENKOV
Russian servicemen march during the Victory Day military parade on the Red square in Moscow, Russia, 09 May 2026. EPA/MAXIM SHIPENKOV
TT
TT

Putin Attends Scaled-back WW2 Victory Parade

Russian servicemen march during the Victory Day military parade on the Red square in Moscow, Russia, 09 May 2026. EPA/MAXIM SHIPENKOV
Russian servicemen march during the Victory Day military parade on the Red square in Moscow, Russia, 09 May 2026. EPA/MAXIM SHIPENKOV

Russia held its most scaled-back Victory Day parade in years on Saturday due to the threat of attack from Ukraine, where victory for Moscow's forces has proven elusive more than four years into the deadliest European conflict since World War Two.

The May 9 parade on Red Square marks Russia's most revered national holiday - a time to celebrate the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany and to pay homage to the 27 million Soviet citizens, including many from Ukraine, who perished. Once used to show off Russia's vast military, including its nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles, the parade this year had no tanks or other military equipment rolling over the cobbles of Red Square.

Instead, weapons including a Yars intercontinental ballistic missile, the new Arkhangelsk nuclear submarine, the Peresvet laser weapon, the Sukhoi Su-57 fighter, the S-500 surface-to-air missile system and a host of drones and artillery were shown on giant screens on Red Square, and on state television.

Soldiers and sailors, some of whom have served in Ukraine, marched and cheered as President Vladimir Putin looked on, seated beside Russian veterans in the shadow of Vladimir Lenin's Mausoleum. North Korean troops, who fought against Ukrainians in Russia's Kursk region, also marched.

Reuters said fighter ⁠planes flew above ⁠the towers of the Kremlin and Putin made an eight minute speech, promising victory in the war in Ukraine which the Kremlin calls the "special military operation.”

"The great feat of the victorious generation inspires the soldiers carrying out the tasks of the special military operation today," Putin said. "They are confronting an aggressive force armed and supported by the entire NATO bloc. And in spite of that, our heroes march forward."

After Russia and Ukraine accused each other of violating unilateral ceasefires they had each declared over recent days, US President Donald Trump announced a three-day ceasefire from Saturday to Monday that was supported by the Kremlin and Kyiv.

The two sides also agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners. "I'd like to see it stop. Russia-Ukraine - it's the worst thing since ⁠World War Two in terms of life.

Twenty-five thousand young soldiers every month. It's crazy," Trump told reporters in Washington. He added that he would "like to see a big extension" of the ceasefire. There were no reports of violations of the ceasefire from either Moscow or Kyiv.

Russia, which invaded Ukraine in 2022, had warned that any attempt by Kyiv to disrupt Saturday's event would lead to a massive missile strike on the Ukrainian capital. Moscow told foreign diplomats that they should evacuate Kyiv staff in the event of such an attack.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy issued a tongue-in-cheek decree "allowing" Russia's May 9 military parade to proceed and saying Ukrainian weapons would not target Red Square. Security was tight in Moscow.

Reuters pictures showed soldiers with guns atop pickup trucks and roads blocked around the center of the capital, which along with the surrounding region has a population of 22 million.

After Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the Red Army eventually pushed Nazi forces back to Berlin, where Adolf Hitler killed himself and the red Soviet Victory Banner was raised over the Reichstag in May 1945.

Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender came into force at 11:01 p.m. ⁠on May 8, 1945, marked as "Victory ⁠in Europe Day" by Britain, the United States and France.

In Moscow it was already May 9, which became the Soviet Union's "Victory Day" in what Russians call the Great Patriotic War of 1941-45. But this year's parade comes amid a wave of anxiety in Moscow about the ultimate outcome of the conflict in Ukraine.

The war has killed hundreds of thousands of people, left swathes of Ukraine in ruins and drained Russia's $3 trillion economy, while Russia's relations with Europe are worse than at any time since the depths of the Cold War.

"The crisis is still deepening gradually, but any sharp movement can send the economy (and not only the economy) into a tailspin," jailed pro-war Russian nationalist Igor Girkin, who has criticized the Kremlin for its conduct of the war, said in a post on Telegram.

Girkin, a former Federal Security Service officer, used a naval analogy to say that Russia's leaders were more worried about being kicked out of their cabins than about a shipwreck.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov this week dismissed CNN and other Western media reports that Putin's protection had been intensified because of fears of a coup or assassination. Russian officials have dismissed reports of a coup plot as nonsense.

CNN cited an unidentified European intelligence agency as saying that Putin's former defense minister, Sergei Shoigu, was seen as a potential coup leader.

Security Council Secretary Shoigu, who attended an online meeting of the Security Council chaired by Putin on Friday, was at the parade on Saturday, sitting beside some of Putin's most powerful officials.