Emerging
Jun 23, 2026 Major3
84%
Global Confidence in Trump Plummets to 23% in Pew Research Survey of 36 Nations
A Pew Research Center survey of 36 countries finds that global confidence in President Trump has fallen to just 23%, with 76% expressing distrust. The survey documents significant declines across measures of U.S. reliability, commitment to peace, respect for freedoms, and consideration of other nations' interests—reaching levels comparable to the lowest points in American favorability since the George W. Bush administration.





Quick Facts
Who
Pew Research Center
What
Global survey measuring confidence in Trump's leadership
When
Survey conducted February 8 to May 13, 2026
Where
36 countries surveyed
- Global survey measuring confidence in Trump's leadership
- Assessment of U.S. reliability as international partner
- Evaluation of U.S. contributions to peace and stability
- Review of U.S. respect for personal freedoms
- Analysis of Trump's foreign policy handling
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.
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Why This Matters
This survey quantifies a dramatic erosion of American soft power and international credibility, which directly affects U.S. diplomatic leverage, alliance cohesion, and ability to lead on global challenges. For readers, it signals potential shifts in geopolitical alignments, trade relationships, and security partnerships—with implications for everything from NATO stability to U.S. economic competitiveness in key markets.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2013
WireHigh point for U.S. respect for personal freedoms measure; three-quarters or more in multiple nations said U.S. respected freedoms
Jan 1, 2021
WirePew survey during Biden administration shows higher trust in U.S. respecting personal freedoms.
Jan 1, 2021
WireBiden administration survey on U.S. respect for personal freedoms conducted
Jan 1, 2022
WireBiden administration era survey showed 83% of Canadians considered U.S. a reliable partner
Jan 1, 2022
WirePew survey shows 83% of Canadians view U.S. as reliable partner.
Jan 1, 2023
WirePrevious measurement of U.S. contributions to peace and reliability; 60% of Germans said U.S. considers other countries' interests
Jan 1, 2025
WirePrevious year's Pew survey showing Trump confidence levels against which current year declines are measured
Feb 8, 2026
WirePew Research Center survey begins
May 13, 2026
WirePew Research Center survey concludes
Jun 23, 2026
WirePew Research Center publishes survey showing 23% global confidence in President Trump and broad declines in U.S. reputation.
Jun 23, 2026
WirePew Research Center releases global survey findings showing 23% median confidence in Trump and 76% distrust
Entities
Sources
- Trump Gets Negative Reviews Internationally as Fewer Say U.S. Is a Reliable PartnerPew Research CenterMediaJun 23, 2026
- Trust in Trump expressed by an average of 23% of respondents in 36 countries — polltassMediaJun 23, 2026
- Trump, US receive overwhelmingly negative reviews in new Pew global surveyThe HillMediaJun 23, 2026