A sweeping new survey by the non-partisan Pew Research Center reveals that former U.S. President Donald Trump is facing overwhelmingly negative perceptions in countries around the globe. Conducted between January 8 and April 26, 2025, the poll canvassed 28,333 adults across 24 nations—excluding the United States—and finds that most people lack confidence in Trump’s leadership on key world issues. The findings underscore a dramatic decline in the United States’ global image under Trump’s tenure, with some of America’s closest allies expressing dismay over trade conflicts, foreign policy reversals, and concerns about democratic governance .
Canadian Sentiment Tanks
Among the countries surveyed, Canada registered one of the steepest declines in favorable views of the United States. Only 34 percent of Canadians now view the U.S. positively, down from 54 percent in 2024. Conversely, 64 percent hold negative opinions of their southern neighbor, and nearly 40 percent describe their view as “very unfavorable,” a stark increase from 15 percent the previous year .
Richard Wike, director of global attitudes research at Pew, attributes this sharp downturn to a combination of Trump’s aggressive trade policies and perceived dysfunction in American politics. “Canadians are looking across the border and saying that they don’t see politics functioning very well in the United States right now,” Wike noted. The introduction of “reciprocal” tariffs in early April, targeting Canadian steel and aluminum, further inflamed tensions, prompting consumer boycotts of U.S. goods and a notable drop in cross-border travel .
Global Confidence Lacking
Beyond Canada, more than half of the respondents in the surveyed nations expressed little or no confidence in Trump’s ability to manage world affairs. Only in five countries—Ireland, Israel, Nigeria, Hungary, and India—did a majority voice confidence in his leadership. Notably, Mexico’s favorable view of the United States plunged from 61 percent in 2024 to 29 percent in 2025, reflecting deep resentment over trade disputes and policy friction .
In Europe, traditional U.S. allies such as France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and Turkey recorded majority negative sentiments. For instance, large majorities in Germany and France described Trump as “arrogant” and “dangerous,” while only a small fraction viewed him as “honest.” Across these countries, feelings of apprehension about American foreign policy decisions—particularly concerning NATO commitments and the Russia-Ukraine conflict—dominated public opinion .
Negative Character Assessments
When asked to characterize Trump personally, most respondents employed descriptors such as “arrogant” (80 percent globally) and “dangerous” (65 percent). Only a minority regarded him as “honest” or “diplomatic.” In Canada, for example, very few described the former president as diplomatic, while a majority labeled him arrogant. These assessments parallel public unease over Trump’s penchant for unilateral decision-making and blunt rhetoric on the world stage .
Furthermore, the poll indicates that among Canadians, only a small share feels that U.S. democracy is functioning effectively. The perception of political gridlock—seen in repeated federal government shutdown threats and sharp partisan divides—has eroded confidence in American institutions, contributing to Canada’s unfavorable ratings .
Trade Wars and Imperial Ambitions
Trump’s global trade war—marked by tit-for-tat tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, China, and European allies—has reverberated through international markets and stoked fears of economic retaliation. His public musings about annexing Greenland and even making Canada a U.S. state sparked widespread alarm and ridicule abroad, reinforcing the narrative of an unpredictable American leader more interested in coercion than collaboration.
The most dramatic escalation occurred on April 2, when the Trump administration imposed “reciprocal” tariffs aimed at balancing trade deficits. This move prompted swift countermeasures from trading partners and fueled a broader backlash against U.S. economic policy, particularly in export-dependent nations. Pew’s data show that confidence in Trump’s handling of global economic issues now stands at just 28 percent worldwide, with most respondents expressing skepticism about his ability to foster stable international growth .
Issue-Specific Confidence
The Pew survey probed public confidence in Trump’s capacity to address several urgent global challenges. The breakdown is as follows:
- Immigration: Only 22 percent express confidence in Trump’s immigration policies, with the remainder fearing that his hardline stances would exacerbate humanitarian crises and border tensions.
- Russia-Ukraine War: A mere 19 percent trust Trump to manage the conflict, reflecting concerns over his conciliatory approach toward Russian President Vladimir Putin and the latter’s invasion of Ukraine.
- Israel-Middle East Conflicts: Confidence levels of 30 percent indicate unease with Trump’s decision to relocate the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and perceived neglect of broader peace processes.
- Climate Change: Only 15 percent believe Trump can lead on climate initiatives, underscoring global alarm over the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement under his administration.
- U.S.-China Relations: A low 24 percent feel Trump could deftly handle escalating tensions with Beijing, despite his tariff campaigns aimed at curbing China’s economic ascendance .
These dismal ratings contrast sharply with Trump’s self-portrayal as a “strong leader,” a label 67 percent of respondents nevertheless applied. The paradox highlights a grudging respect for his assertiveness, even among critics who question his methods and motives.
American Views of the G7 Shuffle
While Trump’s international standing deteriorates, Americans themselves maintain broadly positive views of other leading democracies. A separate Pew survey of 3,605 U.S. adults, conducted from March 24 to March 30, found majorities hold favorable opinions of Canada (74 percent), the United Kingdom (71 percent), France (68 percent), Germany (65 percent), Japan (62 percent), Italy (60 percent), and the European Union (59 percent). This disparity underscores a widening trans-Atlantic gap: U.S. allies view America with growing suspicion, even as Americans continue to embrace those same partners warmly .
Within the United States, ideological divides shape these perceptions. Liberal respondents are significantly more favorable toward G7 nations than conservatives, reflecting broader partisan splits over global engagement and multilateralism.
Looking Ahead: G7 Summit in Kananaskis
The timing of the Pew poll is pivotal: most interviews were conducted after Trump’s contentious meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on February 28 and before his tariff escalation on April 2. The findings set the stage for critical discussions at the upcoming G7 leaders’ summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, scheduled for June 15–17. It will mark Trump’s first official visit to Canada during his current term—a diplomatic challenge for hosts hoping to mend frayed ties .
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has indicated he will address tariff disputes and climate cooperation, while leaders from France, Germany, and the U.K. are expected to press Trump on commitments to NATO spending and the Paris climate goals. Observers will watch closely whether Trump’s summit engagement can reverse—or at least soften—the unfavorable global impressions captured in the Pew survey.
Conclusion
The Pew Research Center’s comprehensive global poll paints a stark picture: under Donald Trump’s presidency, the United States confronts unprecedented reputational challenges. From Canada’s dramatic sentiment shift to pervasive doubts across Europe, Asia, Africa, and beyond, world publics portray Trump as strong yet untrustworthy, arrogant, and dangerous. As the G7 summit looms, U.S. diplomacy faces the urgent task of rebuilding confidence among allies and addressing the policy decisions that have fueled international discontent.
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