Take note of the timing of European leaders’ messages of congratulations to the new President-elect of the United States (times are Central European Time). A few of them (such as Orban and Lukashenko) are sincere. The others, not so much.
7: 37 (CET) German AfD leader Alice Weidel: “Congratulations to Donald J. Trump on becoming the 47th President of the United States!”
8:26 Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban: “The biggest comeback in U.S. political history! Congratulations to President @realDonaldTrump on his enormous win. A much needed victory for the World!”
8:54 French President Emmanuel Macron: “Congratulations President Donald Trump. We are prepared to work together as we have done over four years. With your convictions and with mine. With respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity.”
9:08 Acting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: “I recall our great meeting with President Trump back in September, when we discussed in detail the Ukraine-U.S. strategic partnership, the Victory Plan, and ways to put an end to Russian aggression against Ukraine. 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. I am hopeful that we will put it into action together. We look forward to an era of a strong United States of America under President Trump’s decisive leadership… I am looking forward to personally congratulating President Trump and discussing ways to strengthen Ukraine’s strategic partnership with the United States.”
9:08 NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte: “I just congratulated @realDonaldTrump 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.”
