Public trust in the United States and confidence in Donald Trump have declined significantly across global polling, according to findings from the Pew Research Center. Data collected between February and May across 36 nations shows that only 37 percent of respondents hold a positive view of the U.S., while 57 percent express negative opinions. In Poland, once a bastion of pro-American sentiment, positive perceptions of the U.S. dropped by 28 percentage points, falling to 49 percent.
Why Is Global Sentiment Toward the U.S. Shifting?
The Pew Research Center reports that global confidence in U.S. leadership is at a low point, with a median of only 23 percent of respondents trusting the American president’s handling of international affairs. This trend is mirrored in the Democracy Perception Index, which surveyed 94,000 people across 98 countries. In that study, the United States ranked fifth among countries with the most negative perception, trailing behind nations like Iran and North Korea, and performing worse than both China and Russia in terms of global reputation.
How Has Polish Public Opinion Changed?
Poland has recorded some of the most dramatic shifts in its relationship with Washington. According to Pew, the number of Poles who believe the U.S. considers their country’s interests plummeted from 67 percent in 2023 to just 22 percent today. While Poland remains more pro-American than countries like Sweden or France, trust in Donald Trump is low, with 67 percent of Poles stating they do not trust him. Currently, only 29 percent of Polish respondents express confidence in the former president, placing him behind leaders like Emmanuel Macron and Volodymyr Zelensky in public favor.
Comparative Trust in Leadership
The contrast between regional attitudes is stark. While Trump maintains 68 percent approval in the Philippines and 66 percent in Israel, his support across Western Europe is minimal. In Germany, only 16 percent of respondents trust him, with even lower figures in the Netherlands (15 percent) and Sweden (11 percent). These figures suggest that the “America First” platform resonates differently depending on local geopolitical security concerns.
What Are the Consequences for Global Stability?
The perception of the U.S. as a force for global stability has eroded. The Pew survey notes a 39-percentage-point drop in Poland regarding whether the U.S. contributes to world peace, with only 46 percent of Poles now agreeing. Globally, that figure stands at 35 percent. Furthermore, the Democracy Perception Index identified the U.S. as the country perceived to be the “greatest threat to the world” by respondents, ahead of Russia. This marks a significant departure from historical polling where the U.S. was consistently viewed as a guarantor of security.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which countries trust Donald Trump the most? According to Pew, the Philippines and Israel lead with 68 percent and 66 percent trust, respectively.
- Is the U.S. still viewed as a reliable partner in Europe? Yes, but support is falling. Poland and Hungary are the only European nations where a majority still consider the U.S. a reliable partner.
- Why do some countries view the U.S. as a threat? The Democracy Perception Index suggests that global perceptions of the U.S. have soured, with many respondents now viewing the country as a greater threat than Russia or China.
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