Global Confidence in Trump Plummets to 23% in Pew Research Survey of 36 Nations

A comprehensive Pew Research Center survey of more than 42,000 respondents across 36 countries reveals historically low global confidence in President Donald Trump's leadership, with only a median of 23% expressing trust and 76% expressing distrust. The survey, conducted between February 8 and May 13, coincided with major geopolitical events including the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, which drew widespread international condemnation.

Beyond Trump's personal ratings, the survey documents a sharp decline in global perceptions of the United States itself. Only 35% of respondents believe the U.S. contributes to peace and stability worldwide, down significantly since 2023. Similarly, only 47% consider the U.S. a reliable partner, representing steep declines in many nations with longstanding ties to America. For example, in Canada, the share describing the U.S. as reliable fell from 83% in 2022 to 35% today. Germany has seen comparable erosion, with views comparable to or more negative than those during George W. Bush's presidency and the Iraq War controversy.

Global skepticism extends to American democratic values. A median of 39% of respondents believe the U.S. government respects personal freedoms, while 56% disagree. This represents double-digit declines in most nations since 2021. The survey found that Trump's handling of major foreign policy issues—including tariffs, Gaza, Iran, Greenland, and the Russia-Ukraine war—contributed to overwhelmingly negative assessments. Confidence in Trump declined in 16 of 24 nations measured in both this and last year's surveys, with no country showing improved sentiment toward the president.

The lowest confidence levels emerged from predominantly Muslim-majority nations and U.S. strategic partners. Turkey, a NATO ally, recorded only 6% confidence in Trump and 13% favorable views of the U.S. Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem recorded the lowest confidence at 4% and the lowest U.S. favorability at 9%. Only Benjamin Netanyahu received lower global confidence ratings than Trump at 18%, while leaders including Emmanuel Macron (43%), Volodymyr Zelensky (35%), and Xi Jinping (34%) all scored higher. Israel remained the only nation with predominantly positive views of the U.S. at 81% favorability.