The first debate between former US President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, watched by over 67 million people, ignited global interest. While some countries rejoiced over the candidates mentioning their leaders, others hoped for their silence. The intense clash between the Republican and Democratic presidential nominees captivated audiences worldwide, surpassing even the debate between President Joe Biden and Trump in 2020. A key highlight was the frequent mention of world leaders, with Trump praising Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Harris claiming that Russian President Vladimir Putin would ‘eat Trump for lunch’. This naturally triggered reactions from both Hungary and Russia. However, it was Trump’s performance that dominated international headlines.
Russia’s response was swift and dismissive, with Foreign Minister Maria Zakharova branding the debate as a “dog and pony show.” She questioned its significance, suggesting that it was simply another performance by individuals who lacked responsibility for their words. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov echoed this sentiment, objecting to Putin being used as a tool in US domestic politics. Peskov stressed that the US, regardless of the party, maintains a negative and unfriendly attitude towards Russia.
Hungary, however, reveled in Trump’s praise for Orban. The Hungarian media celebrated Trump’s description of Orban as “one of the most respected men” and a “tough, smart and respected” leader. The news outlet Magyar Nemzet ran a headline proclaiming “Huge recognition!” Trump and Orban have a history of mutual support, with Orban endorsing Trump in 2016 and backing his 2024 campaign. Hungary’s Secretary of State for International Communication Zoltan Kovacs even shared a clip of Trump’s comment about Orban on X with a handshake emoji. However, a European diplomat, speaking to The Guardian, expressed skepticism about the alliance, suggesting it highlights Trump’s disconnect from reality.
Germany, on the other hand, focused on Trump’s comments regarding the Nord Stream pipelines, which transport gas from Russia to Europe’s largest economy. Germany’s Foreign Office took to X, stating that their energy system is fully operational, with over 50% renewables, and that they are shutting down, not building, coal and nuclear plants. The office also dismissed Trump’s false claims about immigrants in the United States. Michael Roth, a parliamentarian and Chair of the Bundestag’s foreign affairs committee, praised Harris’s debating skills, claiming she made Trump appear “like an ageing incumbent, old, angry and confused.” He believed Harris had effectively positioned herself as a candidate of change by provoking Trump and forcing him into a trap.
While China was mentioned repeatedly, the country offered no official response to the debate. The Washington Post reported that a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson stated that Beijing would not comment on “US domestic politics” and is “opposed to making China an issue in US elections.” Despite Trump’s claim of winning the debate, reports indicate that his campaign is currently in damage control mode. The international attention garnered by this first debate suggests that the world will closely follow the 2024 US Presidential Elections.
