World leaders, celebrities and millions of Americans have shared their first reactions and messages of support – or messages of anger, upset and frustration – as Donald Trump claimed his victory in the US election. 

The Republican leader won both the electoral college vote and the popular vote, taking a hold of the majority of key swing states, as his victory just hours after the polls closed. 

The win will see Trump re-enter the White House in January as the 47th President, making him the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms in office. 

Reactions to the unprecedented win flooded online spaces, with world leaders sending their congratulations. 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the election of the US president marked an important moment for Australia and the Asia Pacific region, and vowed to work closely with the Trump administration.

“Australia and America are old allies and we are true friends,” he said. “Our nations are bound by a history of shared sacrifice, a commitment to common values and — above all — enduring respect and affection between our peoples.”

“I look forward to talking with President Trump and working with him in the best interests of both our nations.”

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also extended his congratulations to the Republican leader on behalf of the federal Coalition, describing the US as an “overwhelming force for good”.

Unsurprisingly, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was among the first to speak to Trump, writing on X, “Congratulations on history’s greatest comeback!”

“Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America. This is a huge victory! In true friendship.”

Elon Musk, petulant billionaire and owner of Twitter, also shared a series of memes on X, after he publicly endorsed Trump throughout his campaign. 

Among the posts is an image of Musk holding a bathroom sink photoshopped into the Oval Office with the caption “Let that sink in”, a reference to how he marked his controversial takeover of X when it was still known as Twitter.

Musk also shared a photo of a conversation he was having with Trump as votes were being counted.

“The future is gonna be so [fire],” Musk said with American flag emojis.

“The future is gonna be fantastic,” he said in a follow up post with a photo of his recent SpaceX rocket test that Trump discussed at length, for some reason, in his declaration speech.

Despite the messages of well wishes from world leaders, social media has been awash with messages of disbelief and anger since the victory was announced, with many American citizens anxious and scared about the next four years under Trump’s controversial Project 2025, which will see mass deportations of immigrants, more tax cuts to the rich, harsher penalties for those seeking abortions or reproductive care, and unprecedented power in the hands of a President with authoritarian aspirations. 

Image credits: Brian Prahl/ShutterstockÂ