A recent survey by the Pew Research Center indicates a decline in the perception of the United States' reliability as a global partner under President Donald Trump's administration. The survey, conducted from February 8 to May 13, 2026, involved over 40,000 adults across 36 countries. It found that 76% of respondents lack confidence in Trump, while only 23% express trust in his leadership. Additionally, 57% view the U.S. unfavorably, and around 50% consider it an unreliable partner.
The survey highlights a significant drop in confidence among traditional allies. For instance, only 35% of Canadians view the U.S. as a reliable partner, down from 83% in 2022. Similar declines were noted in Sweden, the Netherlands, and Germany, where ratings fell by over 40 percentage points. In Japan, the reliability perception dropped from 76% to 59%.
Trump's foreign policy approach, including criticism of global organizations like the United Nations and withdrawal from various commitments, has contributed to these perceptions. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is currently in Washington, D.C., to meet with Trump amid concerns about the alliance's future. The survey results reflect a broader trend of diminishing confidence in U.S. leadership on the international stage, with no majority approval for Trump's handling of key global issues.