In the wake of Donald Trump’s resounding victory in the 2024 US presidential election, far-right figures from across the globe have come together to celebrate what they see as a turning point for their respective movements. From Rio de Janeiro to Budapest, tributes to the former president have poured in, with many viewing his triumph as a harbinger of change in their own nations.
A “Historic Day” for the Global Far-Right
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who had pledged to toast a Trump win with “several bottles of champagne,” hailed the result as “a much-needed victory for the world!” Meanwhile, Italy’s far-right Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini rejoiced at what he termed “a historic day,” tweeting:
“Common sense, passion, and hope WIN in the US! What a historic day! CONGRATULATIONS, President Donald Trump!”
– Matteo Salvini, Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister
Spain’s Vox party leader Santiago Abascal echoed this sentiment, declaring that “it is time for patriots” and “time for freedom.” Portugal’s André Ventura of the Chega party celebrated Trump’s perceived defeat of the mainstream media and “woke globalism,” asserting that “America has changed today and has turned to the right. Europe must do the same.”
Bolsonaro: Trump’s Win Will “Resonate Across the Globe”
In Brazil, former President Jair Bolsonaro, who was banned from seeking office until 2030 following his tumultuous exit from power, claimed that Trump’s victory represented “the triumph of the people’s will over the arrogant designs of an elite who disdain our values, beliefs, and traditions.” He went on to suggest that the impact of this “historic triumph” would “resonate across the globe,” empowering the rise of right-wing and conservative movements in countless other nations.
Despite his current political predicament, Bolsonaro seemed to draw hope from Trump’s success, quoting the Book of Psalms: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” His son Eduardo, who witnessed the vote count at Mar-a-Lago, boldly asserted that “Donald Trump returns to the presidency in the US. In Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro will be back in 2026.”
Milei and Bukele Offer Congratulations
Argentina’s libertarian President Javier Milei, often likened to Trump for his wild hair and television celebrity background, saluted his ally’s “formidable electoral victory.” In a message on X (formerly Twitter), Milei wrote:
“@realDonaldTrump congratulations on your formidable electoral victory. Now, Make America Great Again. You know that You can count on Argentina to carry out your task. Success and blessings.”
– Javier Milei, President of Argentina
El Salvador’s authoritarian President Nayib Bukele also offered words of praise, simply stating, “May God bless and guide you.”
A Boost for Right-Wing Opposition in Latin America
Political analyst Thomas Traumann believes that while a Bolsonaro comeback remains highly unlikely in the near term, Trump’s renaissance is “excellent news” for right-wing leaders and opposition politicians across Latin America who have long considered the US a role model. “They are going to be beating their drums for months,” Traumann predicted.
As the reverberations of Trump’s triumph continue to be felt around the world, it is clear that his return to the White House has energized far-right movements that see in him a kindred spirit and a source of inspiration. The question now is whether this renewed sense of momentum will translate into electoral success for these groups in their own countries, potentially reshaping the global political landscape in the years to come.
