Chile's president-elect José Antonio Kast received congratulations from top US and Israeli officials following his win in the December 14 presidential election. Marco Rubio and Gideon Sa’ar emphasized deepening bilateral ties, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hailed the rejection of communism. In contrast, Colombian President Gustavo Petro sharply criticized the outcome.
José Antonio Kast, from the Republican Party, won Chile's presidential election on Sunday, December 14, 2025, defeating his opponent in the runoff. This victory has prompted immediate reactions from international leaders, focusing on strengthening ties with Chile under his upcoming term, which begins on March 11, 2026.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Kast to congratulate him. In an X post, Rubio wrote: “Pleased to congratulate President-Elect @joseantoniokast for his recent victory during our phone call today”. He added that “The United States looks forward to furthering our strong partnership with Chile to benefit both our citizens and our region, including expanding economic ties and ending illegal immigration”. President Donald Trump also commented positively: “I have heard he is an excellent person”.
Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar spoke with Kast and lamented the “deterioration” of bilateral relations during Gabriel Boric's government. Sa’ar posted on X: “I told him that his victory is important for Chile and also for the relations between Israel and Chile, which unfortunately deteriorated during President Boric's term”. They agreed to work on restoring those ties.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent celebrated the win on X: “Like Argentina under President Javier Milei, Chile has roundly rejected the failures of communism, choosing instead a brighter future of peace, order, growth, and hope”. Bessent anticipated revitalizing the bilateral relationship under Trump.
In contrast, Colombian President Gustavo Petro criticized Kast on X, calling him a “son of a Nazi” and warning of “winds of death” in the region. Republican Party leader Arturo Squella responded: “It is not our place to polemicize with presidents of other nations who have not had the best administrations”. Squella stressed seeking good relations with Colombia, given impending administrative changes there.
These reactions highlight expectations of a shift in Chile's foreign policy, prioritizing alliances with the US and Israel amid regional tensions.
