Donald Trump’s return to global prominence is sparking backlash, as a sweeping new international survey reveals plunging confidence in his leadership and a dramatic erosion of U.S. favorability.
At a Glance
- A Pew survey of 24 countries found just 34% trust Trump in global affairs
- 80% of global respondents described Trump as “arrogant”
- U.S. favorability dropped more than 20 points in multiple allied nations
- Trump scored just 21% confidence on climate change handling
- Only five countries showed majority confidence in Trump’s leadership
The World Says No
A comprehensive Pew Research Center survey conducted from January to April 2025 reveals a sobering portrait of Donald Trump’s global image. Across 28,000 respondents in 24 countries, only 34% said they trust Trump to “do the right thing” on the world stage.
Worse still, global perceptions of Trump’s character are overwhelmingly negative. A staggering 80% view him as “arrogant,” two-thirds call him “dangerous,” and yet paradoxically, 67% acknowledge him as a “strong leader.” These findings underscore a volatile blend of fear and admiration, suggesting Trump’s leadership style polarizes more than it persuades.
Perhaps most consequentially, U.S. favorability itself has collapsed in key democracies. According to The Guardian, nations like Canada, Sweden, Mexico, and Poland recorded more than 20-point declines in their opinion of the U.S., raising red flags for future alliance cohesion.
Pockets of Endurance
Despite the global downturn, Trump retains fervent support in a handful of countries. The Pew survey highlights that 79% in Nigeria, 74% in Kenya, 69% in Israel, 53% in Hungary, and 52% in India still express confidence in his international leadership. This suggests that Trump’s brand of politics resonates most strongly in nations with either populist-leaning governments or strategic U.S. ties.
Support also correlates with political ideology. In several countries, individuals who identify with right-wing or populist parties show markedly higher levels of trust in Trump—a reminder that his appeal remains powerful within certain ideological blocs, even if global sentiment has soured overall.
Rebuilding the Wreckage
The collapse in trust poses serious challenges for U.S. foreign policy. Confidence in Trump’s approach to critical global issues is especially low: just 36% back his handling of immigration, 33% on economic matters, and a paltry 21% on climate change. These figures reflect not just personal disapproval, but a broader crisis in American diplomatic credibility.
Experts warn that without a concerted effort to reengage multilaterally, particularly on climate action and economic stability, Washington risks permanent erosion of its influence in Europe and the Pacific. Allies are watching—and waiting—for signs of steadier stewardship.
