Global Leaders Respond: President Trump’s Bold First Moves on Inauguration Day of His Second Term

London — After President Trump was sworn in for his second term, he made some bold moves that shifted the United States’ stance on global issues. He quickly imposed stricter measures on immigration at the southern border. He also signed executive orders that officially pulled the U.S. out of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Paris Climate Agreement.

Responses to his actions varied around the world. Some leaders expressed congratulations, while others were taken aback by the implications of his decisions.

Withdrawal from the WHO

The WHO, a key player in global public health, has nearly 200 member countries. With Trump’s announcement, the U.S. initiated a year-long process to withdraw, halting all financial support. Trump criticized the WHO for mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic, claiming it was overly influenced by politics and unfairly demanding financial contributions from the U.S. compared to other countries.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO’s Director-General, expressed regret over the U.S. decision and highlighted the long history of cooperation between the WHO and the U.S., noting their joint efforts in combating diseases like smallpox and polio.

Responses from other countries included Germany’s health minister, who expressed hope that Trump would reconsider. Meanwhile, China’s foreign ministry emphasized that the WHO’s role should be strengthened, not diminished.

Exit from the Paris Climate Accords

Trump’s plan to exit the Paris Climate Accord also drew criticism. This agreement, signed by 196 countries in 2015, aims to limit global warming. U.N. Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell warned that ignoring climate change would harm economies and job opportunities, adding, “The door remains open to discussion.”

European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, reiterated their commitment to protecting the environment and cooperating with other nations to address climate change.

Reactions from Around the Globe

Initial reactions to Trump’s inauguration were mixed. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke of a longstanding partnership between the U.S. and the UK. However, tensions remained apparent, especially regarding Trump’s reversal of measures taken by former President Biden related to Cuba, which Cuba’s President Miquel Diaz-Canal criticized.

Trump’s threats regarding the Panama Canal were met with a firm response from Panama’s President, asserting that the canal’s administration would remain under Panama’s control.

Leaders in Mexico responded to Trump’s border troop orders with caution, emphasizing their sovereignty while expressing a willingness to coordinate with the U.S.

In Iran, reactions varied. Some citizens hoped Trump would pressure their government to prioritize domestic needs, while others cautiously anticipated possible negotiations with the new U.S. administration.

From Russia, President Vladimir Putin welcomed Trump’s commitment to restore communication channels. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Trump’s “peace through strength” policy could provide new opportunities for resolution in their ongoing conflict.

Overall, Trump’s new policies and global reactions highlight a complex web of international relationships that the new administration must navigate.