Global Confidence in Trump Plummets, But Some Nations Stand Firm

A Pew Research Center poll reveals a staggering 23 percent of respondents globally have confidence in President Donald Trump’s leadership, a figure that underscores a dramatic decline in U.S. global influence amid geopolitical crises.

The survey, conducted from February 8 to May 13 with 42,151 participants across 36 countries, highlights a troubling trend: U.S. allies and partners are reassessing Washington’s reliability and leadership.

Countries like the Philippines (68 percent), Israel (66 percent), and Nigeria (65 percent) form a distinct cluster of support for Trump, while regions directly impacted by U.S. foreign policy show the steepest skepticism.

In stark contrast, Turkey and the Palestinian territories report some of the lowest confidence levels, often in single digits. This divide illustrates a broader pattern where nations affected by U.S. decisions exhibit heightened distrust.

White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales claims Trump has “restored American strength at home and abroad,” citing “nine global conflicts ended” and military operations against Iran as evidence of success.

Wales insists that Trump’s “Peace Through Strength” doctrine is effective, asserting it keeps America safe and deters global threats.

However, the survey indicates a median of 37 percent globally hold a favorable view of the United States, while 57 percent view it unfavorably. This marks a significant deterioration over the past year, particularly in Indonesia, Italy, and South Korea.

In Canada, the perception of the U.S. as a reliable partner has plummeted from 83 percent in 2022 to just 35 percent today. Similar declines are evident across Europe and Asia, indicating a systemic issue rather than isolated incidents.

Interestingly, in several Western European nations like France, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom, Trump’s current ratings are slightly higher than at the end of his first presidency, suggesting a U-shaped trajectory rather than a straight-line collapse.

During his first term, confidence figures in key European allies fell to alarming lows, often in the teens. Recent data shows Germany at around 18 percent and Spain at about 19 percent, with modest increases across other Western European countries.

The polling occurred amid live geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing war with Iran that began on February 28, 2026. Majorities in most countries disapprove of Trump’s handling of critical issues.

Trump’s strongest area is international humanitarian aid, yet even there support is limited: a median of 37 percent approve, with majorities only in select middle-income countries like the Philippines (66 percent) and Kenya (65 percent).

This consistency suggests that confidence levels are closely tied to policy outcomes rather than being random fluctuations.

The findings indicate a deeper shift in global perceptions of the U.S., pointing to a systemic decline in soft power rather than a temporary dip linked to one presidency.

The emerging landscape of global opinion is fragmented. If current trends persist, the U.S. may confront a polarized international environment where influence hinges on region and alignment rather than broad-based trust.

“The countries where Trump performs best form a clear cluster.”