A new survey by the Pew Research Center has found widespread skepticism toward U.S. President Donald Trump, with majorities in many countries expressing little confidence in his ability to manage global affairs and declining trust in the United States’ international role.

The survey, conducted across 36 countries, found that a median of just 23% of respondents have confidence in Trump’s handling of world affairs. In many nations, public confidence in the U.S. president has fallen compared with previous surveys.

The findings also point to a broader decline in global perceptions of the United States, with favorable views of the country dropping significantly in several regions over the past year.

Favorability Toward the U.S. Declines

According to the survey, overall ratings for the United States have deteriorated in many countries, including notable double-digit declines in Indonesia, Italy, Nigeria, South Africa, South Korea and Turkey.

Only seven of the 36 countries surveyed recorded majority favorable views of the United States. The highest level of support was found in Israel, where 81% of respondents expressed a positive view of the country.

Among the least favorable assessments were those recorded in predominantly Muslim societies, including Pakistan, Malaysia, Turkey, and among Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Criticism of U.S. Foreign Policy

Respondents also gave Trump poor ratings on several major international issues, including trade tariffs, the conflict in Gaza, tensions involving Iran, proposals concerning Greenland, and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

The survey suggests that many people around the world are increasingly dissatisfied with Washington’s approach to global affairs and question the effectiveness of current U.S. foreign policy.

Trust in America as a Reliable Partner Falls

One of the most significant findings was a sharp decline in the number of people who view the United States as a reliable international partner.

Compared with surveys conducted in 2022 during the presidency of Joe Biden, confidence in American reliability has dropped dramatically across several allied nations.

In Canada, for example, 83% of respondents described the United States as a reliable partner in 2022. That figure has now fallen to just 35%.

Similar declines were recorded among key U.S. allies in the Asia-Pacific region, highlighting growing uncertainty about Washington’s long-term commitments.

Perceptions of U.S. Role in Global Stability Weaken

The survey found that a median of only 35% across the 36 countries believe the United States contributes to peace and stability around the world.

At the same time, fewer people believe Washington takes the interests of other countries into account when making foreign policy decisions.

In Germany, only 23% now believe the United States considers the interests of countries like theirs when shaping foreign policy, down sharply from 60% three years ago.

Analysts note that current German perceptions are approaching or even exceeding the levels of skepticism recorded during the presidency of George W. Bush, particularly during the period surrounding the Iraq War.

Concerns Over American Democracy and Personal Freedoms

The survey also highlights growing international concerns regarding the state of democracy and civil liberties in the United States.

A median of 39% of respondents said the U.S. government respects the personal freedoms of its citizens, while 56% disagreed.

In 12 of the 13 countries where the question was previously asked in 2021, the share of people who believe the United States respects personal freedoms has fallen by double digits.

The decline continues a trend that has developed over the past decade. While many countries recorded exceptionally high levels of confidence in American freedoms during the presidency of Barack Obama, perceptions began to shift following the revelations made by former intelligence contractor Edward Snowden concerning U.S. surveillance programs.

Lowest Levels Recorded in Years

This year's findings represent the lowest levels of confidence in American respect for personal freedoms in several countries surveyed regularly by Pew, including Australia, Brazil, Chile, Greece, Indonesia, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, the Netherlands, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, South Africa, South Korea and Sweden.

The survey paints a picture of declining international confidence not only in President Trump’s leadership but also in the broader global image of the United States. As Washington continues to navigate multiple international crises, the findings suggest that restoring trust among allies and partners may remain a significant diplomatic challenge in the years ahead. (ILKHA)