Confidence in the United States as a global partner has significantly declined, according to a recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center. The survey, which assessed the views of 42,151 adults across 36 countries from February 8 to May 13, 2026, revealed that only 23% of respondents trust President Donald Trump to handle international affairs properly, with 76% expressing no confidence. In this global comparison, Trump ranked lower than leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron and Chinese President Xi Jinping. His highest confidence ratings were noted in the Philippines and Israel, while his approval plummeted in Türkiye and the Palestinian territories, where only 6% and 4% expressed confidence, respectively. The survey also highlighted a sharp decline in the perception of the U.S. as a reliable partner, particularly in Europe and Latin America, where no country recorded a majority confidence in Trump.
Why It Matters
The erosion of trust in U.S. leadership can have significant implications for international relations and global stability. Historical data shows that confidence in U.S. foreign policy directly affects its ability to form alliances and influence global issues. With only 35% of respondents believing the U.S. contributes to global peace and stability, this marks a notable decrease in perception since 2023. The survey findings reflect broader concerns about U.S. leadership during critical global events, such as the Gaza war and tensions with Iran, highlighting the potential for decreased cooperation on international challenges.
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