It’s not to suggest that every world leader in the Marvelous City is quietly mourning Trump’s return—some are openly rejoicing. Argentine President Javier Milei, who met Trump at his Mar-a-Lago golf club in Florida prior to the Brazil summit, shared a clip of his speech on X, boasting about how “the global elite is lamenting the humiliating defeat of the communist Kamala Harris.”
However, the overall quiet at the summit coincides with Trump signaling that he intends to adopt a tough approach on the international front to promote American interests, potentially reversing the progress made under Biden on new global climate agreements and further collaboration with allies. Before the meetings, Trump rapidly announced nominations for his administration, including key figures that foreign governments will engage with in the next four years—such as his secretary of State, national security adviser, secretary of Defense, and U.N. ambassador.
Many of these selections indicate an administration likely to be influenced by loyalists and critics of multilateral engagements. The increasing involvement of tech mogul Elon Musk in Trump’s circle has raised concerns among some observers regarding its impact on U.S.-Europe relations, particularly given Musk’s frequent clashes with European regulators. While world leaders may be unsettled by some of Trump’s appointments, they are not showing it.
When asked about Trump’s cabinet choices during a flight to Rio, UK leader Keir Starmer remarked, “I’m not going to comment on each of the appointments that President-elect Trump makes as he announces them. We have a constructive relationship.” He also sidestepped questions about Musk’s controversial tweet involving a crying emoji related to Ukraine, stating, “I’m not going to provide ongoing commentary on what others say or do regarding Ukraine.”
Nonetheless, some leaders express confidence that international institutions will be prepared to handle any disruptions stemming from Trump’s actions. When questioned on how the international community should react, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the importance of multilateralism, stating, “the most crucial thing is to recognize the value of multilateralism and to have faith in multilateral institutions.”
In response to inquiries, Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated, “the American people re-elected President Trump because they trust him to lead our country and restore peace through strength globally. Upon his return to the White House, he will take the necessary steps to achieve that.” Compared to his previous term, Trump will encounter a notably different set of foreign counterparts, adding to the geopolitical unpredictability as leaders consider how best to engage with the famously unpredictable and transactional businessman.
He had a close relationship with Macron, who will remain in power until 2027, but many of the other leaders with whom he fostered strong connections—such as Japan’s Shinzo Abe and Mexico’s Andrés Manuel López Obrador—are no longer in office or have passed away. Reporting from Rio de Janeiro were Sam Blewett, Clea Caulcutt, Lauren Egan, and Joe Stanley-Smith, with Eric Bazail-Eimil reporting from Washington.
