Leaders and celebrities react to Trump win
World leaders have congratulated Donald Trump while Hollywood actors have vented their shock and dismay at the Republican’s emphatic win.
Following one of the most eventful campaigns in recent memory, Trump claimed victory on Wednesday (AEDT) after the key swing state of Pennsylvania was called in his favour.
Reactions flooded in from around the world as news outlets confirmed the result.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the election of the US president marked an important moment for Australia and the Asia Pacific region, and vowed to work closely with the Trump administration.
“Australia and America are old allies and we are true friends,” he said.
“Our nations are bound by a history of shared sacrifice, a commitment to common values and — above all — enduring respect and affection between our peoples.
“I look forward to talking with President Trump and working with him in the best interests of both our nations.”
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.
Greens leader Adam Bandt said it was a “bad day for the world”, including women, people of colour and members of the LGBTQI community.
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“Trump will be a threat to democracy and to progress,” he said.
“As President, Trump will embolden hate. We’ve seen far-right extremism rise around the globe and time and time again it has been fortified by Trump’s anti-immigration rhetoric.”
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was among the first to speak to Trump.
“Congratulations on history’s greatest comeback!” wrote Netanyahu on X.
“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.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he looked forward to working with Trump in the years ahead.
“As the closest of allies, we stand shoulder to shoulder in defence of our shared values of freedom, democracy and enterprise.”
Ukraine’s President Volodymr Zelensky said he appreciated 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,” Zelensky said on X.
Celebrities in shock
Kamala Harris enjoyed the endorsement of high-profile celebrities from Oprah Winfrey to Beyonce, George Clooney and even Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger.
But as the numbers began falling clearly in Trump’s favour, many actors and pop stars took to social media to vent their dismay.
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Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis expressed fears of a “draconian” future and said minority groups would be afraid.
“The fact that the country would choose to destroy itself by voting in a convicted felon rapist and Nazi is a sign of deep nihilism. To put it mildly.”
Married …with Children star Christina Applegate said the result was a kick in the guts for women.
“My child is sobbing because her rights as a woman may be taken away,” she wrote. “Why? And if you disagree, please unfollow me.
“Unfollow me because what you did is unreal. Don’t want followers like this. So yeah. Done.”
Author Stephen King warned about the impact of “breaking” democracy.
Musk moves in
The world’s richest person Elon Musk, who enriched Trump’s campaign to the tune of $184 million, made a flurry of gleeful posts to his social media platform X.
He shared a photo of himself chatting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago on election night as the counting was underway.
“The future is gonna be fantastic,” he exclaimed in one post.
In another he stated: “The people of America gave @realDonaldTrump a crystal clear mandate for change tonight.”
One post that garnered reaction was a digitally imposed photo of Musk carrying a sink into the Oval Office with the caption “Let that sink in.”
The image was originally taken when Musk bought Twitter in 2022 and he carried a sink into its headquarters.
Followers posed the question of what Musk’s role would be in the new Trump administration.
Musk was a visible supporter of Trump, regularly posting to his 203 million followers on X and appearing at rallies.
He launched a $1 million-a-day giveaway to voters in seven battleground states who signed a petition to support free speech and gun rights.
The incoming president spent several minutes praising the billionaire during his victory speech, leaving commentators wondering what Musk could gain in the White House.
– AAP
