Former President George W. Bush has released his first statement on the 2024 presidential election, congratulating his fellow Republican, newly elected President 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 around 11 a.m. ET on Wednesday.

Bush declined to endorse Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris before the results were announced, despite the fact that Bush’s former running mate, Dick Cheney, endorsed Harris. Cheney’s daughter, Liz Cheney, also called on Bush to support Harris, while his own daughter, Barbara Bush, canvassed for Harris in Pennsylvania last month.

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

Bush, who has been an active painter in Texas since his presidency and produced a book entitled 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 oversaw 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 is a sign of strength in 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 addressed her defeat.

Bush’s congratulatory message is one of many that Donald Trump has received since his victory was declared.

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 offers a new beginning for America and a strong renewed commitment to the great alliance between Israel and America,” he said.

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

“As the closest ally, we stand shoulder to shoulder in defense of our shared values ​​of freedom, democracy and entrepreneurship. From growth and security to innovation and technology, I know the special relationship between Britain and the US will continue to flourish on both sides. of the Atlantic Ocean for years to come.”

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