By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent
As Donald Trump settles into his second term as president, a blistering new Pew Research Center survey reveals that much of the world sees him as a dangerous and arrogant leader unfit to handle global challenges—and it’s dragging down America’s image abroad. From Europe to Latin America and across Asia, confidence in Trump to “do the right thing” in world affairs remains deeply underwater. In 19 of 24 countries surveyed, the majority expressed little or no confidence in him. A global median of just 34% have confidence in Trump, while 62% say they do not. Trump’s worst ratings come from Mexico, where a mere 8% express confidence and 91% reject his leadership. The damage extends far beyond personal opinion. The United States itself has taken a reputational hit. Favorable views of the U.S. have dropped in 15 countries since last year, with support plunging 32 points in Mexico and 20 points in Canada. Sweden now gives the U.S. its worst rating—79% view the country unfavorably.
The survey, conducted between January and April 2025 and released on June 11, paints a portrait of global mistrust. Trump earns dismal ratings on nearly every major international issue, from climate change and immigration to the Russia-Ukraine war and U.S.-China relations. A median of only 24% have confidence in his ability to handle climate change, and just 33% trust him on Ukraine. Even among those who acknowledge his strength as a leader—a trait that a median of 67% worldwide attributes to him—many still find him unqualified for the role. Majorities in most countries describe Trump as “arrogant” (median 80%) and “dangerous” (median 65%), while only 28% believe he is honest. The ideological divide is eye-popping. In countries like Israel, 93% of those on the political right trust Trump, compared to just 21% on the left. His support is also high among backers of populist parties, from Bolsonaro’s Liberal Party in Brazil to Netanyahu’s Likud in Israel and Milei’s La Libertad Avanza in Argentina.
Despite these pockets of support, comparisons to other world leaders reveal that Trump lags. French President Emmanuel Macron commands a global median confidence rating of 46%, compared to Trump’s 34%. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping fare even worse—but in countries like Mexico, Indonesia, and Turkey, more people trust Putin over Trump. The United States, once seen as a beacon of stability, is now viewed with ambivalence. Just 50% of people across 24 countries say democracy in the U.S. works well. Roughly half of those surveyed view the country as the world’s top economy, but partisan division and Trump’s leadership style have clouded its global standing. As the world watches Washington, the numbers don’t lie: Trump’s return to power hasn’t sparked a wave of renewed global confidence. Instead, it’s provoking a chorus of concern—and, in many nations, outright rejection.
