Pew survey: Global trust in Trump and US drops to record lows
Only 23% of adults across 36 nations trust Trump on world affairs
A comprehensive Pew Research Center survey of 42,151 adults across 36 nations conducted between February and May 2026 reveals a sharp erosion of global trust in both President Donald Trump and the United States. Only 23% of respondents expressed confidence in Trump to handle world affairs, while roughly two-thirds voiced little or no confidence. Confidence dropped in 16 of the 24 countries with available trend data, and no nation showed improvement. The survey period was marked by intensifying geopolitical competition with China and the US-Israeli military conflict with Iran, which began in late February.
Views of the United States itself also deteriorated significantly. Across all 36 countries, just 37% held a favorable opinion of the US, compared to 57% unfavorable. Favourability fell in 15 of 24 trend countries, including double-digit drops in Indonesia, Italy, Nigeria, South Africa, South Korea, and Turkey. These findings underscore a growing global perception of the US as an unreliable partner, raising questions about American influence and soft power on the world stage.
- Only 23% of adults across 36 nations trust Trump in world affairs, dropping in 16 trend countries
- US favorability fell to 37%, with double-digit declines in 6 countries including South Korea and Turkey
- Survey of 42,151 people was conducted during US-China rivalry and US-Israel conflict with Iran
Why It Matters
Global trust collapse weakens US diplomatic leverage and emboldens rivals like China and Iran.