Trump victory – Pacific leaders look to strengthened US relations

07 November 2024 – As congratulations continue to flow with Donald Trump’s historic victory last night, the Tongan and Fijian prime ministers are among the first Pacific Island leaders to congratulate the US President-elect.

A dancing and smiling Trump emerged victorious last night by securing more than the 270 Electoral College votes needed to win the presidency.

In his victory speech Trump said “This is the greatest political movement of all time.”

He said this “would be the golden age of America”.

Trump said America had given the Republicans a powerful and unprecedented mandate. “This is a magnificent victory for the American people.”

Democrat candidate Kamala Harris, touted to the first woman Prime Minister of the United States, conceded defeat telling her supporters to accept the results.

“The light of American’s promise will always burn bright as long as we never give up, and as long as we keep fighting,”

Democrat candidate Kamala Harris conceding the election results.

Impact on Pacific Islands
Trumps return to the Oval office will impact the Pacific Island states facing urgent actions on climate change and intensified geopolitics following the launch of an inter-ballistic missile by China and the rapid expansion of US military presence on the US territory, Guam.

The Pacific leaders have seen how the very real security threat of climate-induced natural disasters have been overshadowed by the tug-of-war between China and the US in what academics say is “control and influence” for the contested region.

Tonga’s Prime Minister, Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, who is also the chair of the Pacific Islands Forum said on X message, that he is looking forward to advancing Tonga-US bilateral relationship and the Pacific interests and initiatives.

Fiji’s Sitiveni Rabuka said it is his sincere hope and prayer that Trump’s return to the White House “will be marked by the delivery of peace, unity, progress, and prosperity for all Americans, and the community of nations.”

Rabuka also said Fiji is looking forward to deepening bilateral ties with America as well as furthering shared aspirations including, promoting peace and economic prosperity in the Pacific and beyond.