World leaders condemn Trump’s actions on health, climate, and int'l relations

As U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed his "America First" policy in his inaugural address, the world has responded with a mix of concern and anticipation over his bold declarations and swift executive orders.

From reigniting debates about the Panama Canal to reshaping global alliances, Trump’s presidency is already driving significant international shifts. Leaders worldwide have begun reacting to his remarks and policy directions, signaling potential challenges ahead.

WHO withdrawal

The World Health Organization (WHO) expressed regret over Trump’sdecision to withdraw the United States from the global health agency.

Tarik Jasarevic of the World Health Organization (WHO), briefs the press at Palais des Nations in Geneva on the health situation in Yemen.UN/File

WHO spokesperson Tarik Jašarević said on Tuesday, “We hope the United States will reconsider, and we really hope for constructive dialogue for the benefit of everyone, including Americans and people around the world.”

The European Union echoed these sentiments, describing Trump’s decision as concerning.

“We see with concern the announcement to withdraw from the WHO by the United States and we trust that the U.S. administration will consider all this ahead of the formal withdrawal,” a spokesperson for the European Commission said during a daily press briefing.

German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach termed Trump’s announcement “a serious blow to the international fight against global health crises.” He pledged to work towards convincing Trump to reverse the decision.

Germany's reaction

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock condemned Trump’s renewed pledge to retake control of the Panama Canal, describing his remarks as “unacceptable” and a potential threat to international norms.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.Reuters/File

Baerbock also criticized Trump’s controversial comments about controlling Greenland, emphasizing the importance of measured responses.

“It’s not about how President Trump says something, but why he says it,” she said, suggesting Trump’s concerns about China’s growing global influence may be a driving factor.

German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck criticized Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, describing it as “fatal” to global climate goals.

German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck speaks during the German-Czech Economic Forum in Prague, Czech Republic, October 17, 2022.Reuters/File

Speaking in Berlin, Habeck stressed the need for Germany and Europe to intensify efforts to expand low-carbon energy.

“We have to bring our own technologies to the fore,” he said, pointing to Germany’s plans to generate 80% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

Panama Canal takeover

Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino responded to Trump’s remarks about the Panama Canal, declaring, “The canal is and will continue to be Panamanian.”

FILE: Panama's president-elect Jose Raul Mulino speaks during an interview with Reuters, in Panama City, Panama, May 8, 2024.Reuters

In a statement on X, he dismissed Trump’s accusations of Chinese interference, stating, “The canal was not a concession from anyone; it was the result of generational struggles.”

Mexico's reaction

In Mexico, President Claudia Sheinbaum called for calm following Trump’s declaration of a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border and his plans to deport “millions of criminal aliens.”

Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum holds her first press conference at the National Palace, in Mexico City, Mexico, October 2, 2024.Reuters/File

She reassured Mexican immigrants in the U.S. that they are not alone and highlighted their contributions to the American economy. “Dialogue, respect, and cooperation will always define our relationship,” she wrote on X.

Reverse sanctions on Israeli settlers

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich welcomed Trump’s decision to reverse sanctions on Israeli settler groups imposed by the Biden administration.

Bezalel Smotrich speaks at a handing over ceremony after he took office as the new Israeli Finance Minister in Jerusalem January 1, 2023.Reuters/File

Smotrich praised the move as an expression of Trump’s “deep connection to the Jewish people and our historical right to our land.” He called for continued cooperation to expand settlements and bolster Israel’s security.

Cuba is on the list 'again'

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel voiced outrage after Trump reinstated Cuba on the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism.

Newly elected Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel is seen during the National Assembly in Havana, Cuba, April 19, 2018. Reuters/File

Díaz-Canel called the decision “an act of arrogance and disregard for the truth,” just days after former President Joe Biden had removed the designation.

Amid international criticism, some leaders emphasized cooperation. Ukrainian and Israeli officials highlighted Trump’s personal qualities and expressed optimism about working with his administration to achieve peace and address pressing global issues.