Biden promises a peaceful transfer of power; The Trump transition begins

On By Littum

Trump continued to receive congratulations from around the globe as world leaders pledged to work with the president-elect — all while bracing for potential world-changing policies from Washington.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz acknowledged that many elements of US-European ties could be different under Trump, but stressed that Germany will be committed to the transatlantic relationship, noting that the EU had already taken on more responsibility for security and energy, which is common interests with the United States. He also noted that the United States and Europe benefit from their transatlantic partnership, adding in English: “We are better together.”

Referring to Ukraine’s defensive war against Russia, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, said Trump’s “peace through strength” approach is what “Russia and autocrats understand.” He added: “Congratulations to the American people and thank you for your support.”

Russia’s Foreign Ministry responded to Trump’s victory by claiming in a declaration that Democrats had unleashed “a strong propaganda campaign” against him and praised Trump for emphasizing “issues about the economy and illegal migration that really concern voters, as opposed to the globalist course of the White House.”

The statement continued: “We have no illusions about the US president-elect, who is well-known in Russia, and the new composition of Congress, in which, according to preliminary data, the Republicans are gaining the upper hand. The ruling political elite in the United States, regardless of party affiliation, adheres to anti- Russian positions and a line of ‘contain Moscow’.”

Russia has been identified by US national security officials as the leader of what is among the most sophisticated election disinformation efforts.

Beijing declined to discuss Trump’s proposed tariffs on Chinese-made products. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said: “We will continue to approach and manage US-China relations based on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could not contain his joy at Trump’s victory. says in the statement: “Congratulations on the biggest comeback in history! Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a strong commitment to the great alliance between Israel and America. It’s a huge win!”

Basem Naim, a senior Hamas official, told NBC News in a WhatsApp statement that “the election of Trump as the 47th president of the United States is a private matter for the Americans, but the Palestinians look forward to an immediate end to the aggression against our people. especially in Gaza.”