This was the reaction of the Labour Party’s International Secretary, John Grech, at the news of Donald J. Trump’s election.

On Wednesday, Americans woke to the news that Trump had once again secured the White House, marking a remarkable political comeback that uplifted investors and garnered congratulations from around the world. His victory was confirmed shortly he clinched the battleground state of Wisconsin, surpassing the crucial threshold of 270 electoral votes.

Source: BBC

U.S. stocks, the dollar’s value, and yields on Treasury bonds all experienced gains as Mr. Trump’s win became evident. Major U.S. stock indices surged at the start of trading, reflecting a decisive outcome in the election after weeks of uncertainty.

Trump’s supporters celebrated a decisive victory in what pre-election polls had indicated would be a closely contested race. While it will take several days to finalise the vote count, Trump seemed poised to secure not only the Electoral College but also the national popular vote, achieving the best performance for a Republican presidential candidate since 2004.

Supporters in West Palm Beach, Florida. Source: AFP

He is set to return to office four years after his defeat by Joseph R. Biden Jr., with the Senate remaining under Republican control. The outcome for the House of Representatives had yet to be determined.

“I’m not surprised that Trump won, but the manner of his victory was unexpected. The fact that he secured the popular vote is particularly astonishing. We anticipated a much closer contest, yet this result is a remarkable win for Trump. As a person, he is so unpredictable that it leaves us uncertain about what to expect. One of the primary concerns across the continent will be how his administration manages NATO,” said John Grech to The Journal.

“Donald Trump has been elected as the 47th President of the United States of America. His win with such a majority caught many people off-guard, as polls kept showing the two Presidential contenders to be too close to each other. The will of the people has to be respected and we look forward to a second Trump Presidency. This time, one would hope, he will lead as a wiser man, drawing from the lessons of his past experience,” said Grech.

He reminded us that in the lead-up to the US election, several European policymakers expressed apprehension about the implications of a Trump victory on issues ranging from aid to Ukraine to the future of NATO. Trump has frequently criticised the alliance, arguing that the US contributes too much to its budget while European members invest too little in their own defence. During his election campaign, he stated that the US would only defend NATO members against a potential attack from Russia if they fulfilled their defence spending commitments.

“All eyes will be on his actions in the early days of his presidency post-January 2025. It will be interesting to see how Trump handles the Middle east. We must not forget that he relocated the American embassy, causing significant controversy,” said Grech.

The uproar surrounding Donald Trump’s decision to move the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in December 2017 stemmed from the highly sensitive nature of Jerusalem’s status in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. By recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, Trump was perceived as endorsing Israeli claims to the entire city, undermining the long-held international consensus that its status should be determined through negotiations.

This decision triggered widespread protests in Palestinian territories and across the Arab world, leading to violent clashes and international condemnation, including a UN General Assembly resolution declaring the move null and void. Critics argued that the move not only escalated tensions but also hindered future peace efforts, reinforcing divisions and complicating the already fraught dynamics of the region.

“We will undoubtedly be on the edge of our seats,” concluded John Grech, who will be following this situation closely. He won’t be alone. With the global community holding its breath, the coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining the trajectory of U.S. policy under Trump.

President-elect @realDonaldTrump, my best wishes and those of the Government of Malta. I look forward to working together to deliver the peace, stability and prosperity that the world's people deserve. – RA

— Robert Abela (@RobertAbela_MT) November 6, 2024

Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela’s reaction

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ian Borg, said that Malta looks forward to working with the new administration