George W. Bush reacts to Donald Trump's election victory

Former President George W. Bush has released his first statement on the 2024 presidential election, congratulating his fellow Republican, President-elect Donald Trump.

“I congratulate President Trump on his election as the 47th President of the United States of America, as well as Vice President-elect JD Vance and their families,” he said in a statement released at 11 a.m. ET on Wednesday.

Bush declined to endorse Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris before the results were announced, although Bush's former Vice President Dick Cheney endorsed Harris. Cheney's daughter Liz Cheney also urged Bush to support Harris, while his own daughter Barbara Bush campaigned for Harris in Pennsylvania last month.

The Associated Press declared Trump the winner at 5:34 a.m. ET after he secured Wisconsin's 10 electoral votes, surpassing the required 270-vote threshold.

Bush, who has been an active painter in Texas since his presidency and has written a book titled ” Portraits of Courage of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans also thanked Harris and President Biden for their service.

“Laura and I are grateful to the election officials, poll workers and volunteers who ensured a free and fair election,” he said. “We join our fellow citizens in praying for the success of our new leaders at all levels of government,” adding that the high voter turnout was a sign of the strength of American democracy.

He added: “We join our fellow citizens in praying for the success of our new leaders at all levels of government. May God continue to bless our great country.”

Kamala Harris has not yet publicly acknowledged her defeat.

Bush's congratulatory message is one of many that Donald Trump has received since declaring his victory.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Trump on X, formerly Twitter, saying: “Congratulations on the greatest comeback in history!”

“Your historic return to the White House represents a new beginning for America and a strong commitment to the great alliance between Israel and America,” he said.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also wrote to X: “Congratulations, President Trump, on your historic election victory. I look forward to working with you in the coming years.”

“As closest allies, we stand side by side in defending our shared values ​​of freedom, democracy and entrepreneurship. From growth and security to innovation and technology, I know the special relationship between the UK and the US will continue to thrive on both sides of the Atlantic for years to come.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky added to the congratulatory messages, saying: “I appreciate President Donald Trump's commitment to the 'peace through strength' approach in global affairs. This is exactly the principle that can practically bring a just peace in Ukraine closer.”