Trump Gets Negative Reviews Internationally as Fewer Say U.S. Is a Reliable Partner

A Pew Research Center survey of 36 countries finds that a median of 23% of adults express confidence in U.S. President Donald Trump's handling of world affairs, with favorable views of the United States declining sharply in many nations over the past year [1]. The survey, conducted among 42,151 people from Feb. 8 to May 13, 2026, shows confidence in Trump has slipped since last year in 16 of 24 nations where trend data is available, with no country registering a more positive shift [1]. Trump's second term began on January 20, 2025, after he defeated Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, making him the second former U.S. president to return to office [2]. His administration has pursued an interventionist foreign policy, including increased support for Israel in the Gaza war and strikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June 2025 [2]. The Pew survey found a median of 74% of adults across the 36 nations disapprove of how Trump is dealing with Iran [1]. Perceptions of U.S. reliability have eroded significantly. The share of the public who considers the U.S. a reliable partner has declined steeply in many countries since 2022, during Joe Biden's presidency [1]. In Canada, 83% described the U.S. as a reliable partner in 2022, compared with 35% today [1]. A 36-country median of 35% say the U.S. contributes to peace and stability around the world, a figure down significantly in many countries since 2023 [1]. Views of American democratic values have also weakened. A 36-country median of 39% say the U.S. government respects the personal freedoms of its people, while 56% say it does not [1]. In 12 of the 13 countries where this question was last asked in 2021, there have been double-digit declines in the shares who say the U.S. respects personal freedoms [1]. The Trump administration has been criticized for actions that have been found by the judiciary to be illegal and unconstitutional, and which have been described as contributing to democratic backsliding [2]. During his second term, Trump has made numerous false or misleading claims [4]. Trump's tariff policies are widely unpopular. Kenya is the only country surveyed in which a majority, 55%, approve of his handling of the issue [1]. Attitudes are especially negative in nations with major U.S. trade relationships, including Germany at 8% approval and Canada at 17% [1]. The administration has overseen a series of tariff increases and pauses, which led to retaliatory tariffs from other countries and stock market volatility [2]. Favorable views of the U.S. have declined significantly in 15 of 24 nations where trends from last year are available [1]. Mexico was the only country where views improved, from 29% to 40% favorable [1]. In many countries surveyed since 2002, including Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, positive ratings are at or near historic lows [1].