When it comes to how America is perceived by its closest allies, the results are far from flattering. A recent poll reveals that many see the United States as a troublesome entity on the global stage, particularly as President Donald Trump continues to overhaul foreign policy. According to international polling conducted by POLITICO-Public First, significant proportions of Germans, French, and Canadians consider the U.S. a negative influence globally.
In Germany and France, pluralities view the U.S. unfavorably, with a majority of Canadians echoing similar sentiments. While opinions in the United Kingdom are slightly more varied, about one-third of respondents still believe the U.S. is not contributing positively to international stability. In all four nations surveyed, nearly half assert that the U.S. tends to create more problems than it resolves.
This data serves as a snapshot of the impact of Trump’s foreign policy shifts, which include aggressive trade maneuvers, pointed rhetoric against traditional allies, and a redefined military stance. The polling indicates that many are grappling with a new reality where the U.S. is perceived as a challenger to its allies rather than a supporter. For instance, over half of Canadians and nearly half of those in Germany and France believe the U.S. challenges its allies, and a significant portion in the U.K. expresses doubt about America’s reliability in crises.
Trump’s first year back in office has notably blurred the lines of established alliances, especially in Canada and Europe. Recently, he described Europe as a “decaying” entity led by “weak” individuals, while his National Security Strategy lamented the continent’s loss of “national identities and self-confidence.” Interestingly, this critique contrasts sharply with his more lenient language toward Russia, despite European leaders preparing for what they term a “hybrid war” against Moscow.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio attempted to defend the administration’s stance amidst European discontent, emphasizing that the transatlantic alliance is grounded in shared “civilizational” values. “At the core of these special relationships is our shared history and values, which we should embrace,” he stated during a recent briefing.
However, as skepticism from allied leaders begins to permeate public sentiment, experts like Matthew Kroenig from the Atlantic Council suggest that elite opinion is shaping the broader public mood. “Public opinion in democracies often mirrors elite perspectives,” he notes, indicating that the skepticism expressed by politicians is now reflecting in the views of ordinary citizens.
Leaders across Europe and Canada recalibrate under Trump’s foreign policy agenda
This sentiment is particularly evident across Europe and Canada, where leaders are working hard to navigate increasingly fraught relationships. In Germany, for instance, Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces mounting pressure due to wavering U.S. military support for Ukraine, uncertainties surrounding NATO commitments, and the ongoing tariff conflict spurred by the Trump administration. In a bold move, Merz has initiated a significant overhaul of Germany’s defense spending, unlocking hundreds of billions of euros for military and infrastructure investments.
“Every utterance from Trump is scrutinized for its implications on U.S. policy regarding European security, NATO commitments, troop presence, and support for Ukraine,” remarked Dominik Tolksdorf, a transatlantic relations expert in Germany.
In France, President Emmanuel Macron employs a strategy of personal diplomacy with Trump while simultaneously advocating for greater European autonomy in defense and strategic matters. “Delegating one’s sovereignty is folly — as De Gaulle warned us,” shared a high-ranking French military officer, who spoke anonymously to convey the prevailing sentiment within the military. Another defense official remarked that Trump’s National Security Strategy has heightened awareness that something is amiss.
In the U.K., Trump’s presence remains divisive, yet Prime Minister Keir Starmer has chosen to refrain from public confrontations. His current focus is on solidifying a trade agreement with the U.S. while coordinating a European response to the war in Ukraine, all while maintaining a delicate balance that avoids alienating the White House.
Canada, however, has experienced the steepest decline in relations, exacerbated by a punishing trade war and Trump’s erratic comments about potential annexation. Flavio Volpe, president of Canada’s Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, lamented the economic fallout of Trump’s policies, stating, “People lost jobs they dedicated their lives to, and billions in Canadian capital vanished, marking a bizarre departure from the post-Cold War stability we once relied upon.”
Democrats remain skeptical of the U.S. on the world stage
Interestingly, while Americans generally hold a more favorable view of their country than their allies do, the divide is stark along partisan lines. Approximately 49 percent believe the U.S. supports its allies globally, 52 percent think it can be counted on in a crisis, and 51 percent view it as a positive global force.
However, Democrats exhibit a far more pessimistic outlook. Nearly half of those who supported former Vice President Kamala Harris in the last election—47 percent—consider the U.S. a negative global influencer, in contrast to only 13 percent of Trump supporters. Among Trump voters, a staggering three-quarters perceive the U.S. positively.
Moreover, many Democrats not only express skepticism about the U.S. but also regard other nations and international blocs as superior models. A remarkable 58 percent of Harris supporters view the European Union positively, and nearly two-thirds share the same sentiment towards Canada—outpacing their views on the U.S.
“This aligns with our findings regarding the rapid shift in perceptions of the U.S. over the past year,” noted Seb Wride, head of polling at Public First. “Americans are not oblivious to this change.”
In the lead-up to the 2024 election, a significant majority of both Democrats and Republicans—71 percent and 69 percent, respectively—previously regarded the U.S. as a positive force throughout its history, according to polling data from October last year. Fast forward a year, and Democrats have drastically altered their views; only 58 percent now see the U.S. positively, while 77 percent of Trump voters still maintain a favorable opinion.
“This represents a substantial shift, with approximately one in eight Democrats reevaluating the U.S.’s historical role in just a year,” Wride concluded.
Contributions to this report were made by POLITICO’s Matt Honeycombe-Foster from the U.K., Victor Goury-Laffont and Laura Kayali from France, Nette Nöstlinger from Germany, and Nick Taylor-Vaisey from Canada. Giselle Ruhiyyih Ewing also contributed.
