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• Majorities in key U.S. allies, including France, the UK, Germany, South Korea, and Japan, have no confidence in President Trump’s global leadership.
• A Pew Research Center survey of over 28,000 people shows widespread negative perceptions of President Trump as “arrogant” and “dangerous.”
• President Trump’s approval rating stands at about 43% in the U.S., despite his “America First” agenda.

Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

A recent global survey by the Pew Research Center reveals that majorities in key U.S. allies lack confidence in President Trump’s global leadership. This sentiment is reflected in the downgraded ratings of the U.S. by people in 15 of 24 countries surveyed.

Core Players

• Donald Trump – President of the United States
• Pew Research Center – Conducted the global survey
• Steven Cheung – White House spokesman
• Richard Wike – Runs the global attitudes team at Pew

Key Numbers

• 28,000+ – Number of people surveyed globally
• 15/24 – Countries where ratings of the U.S. were downgraded
• 43% – President Trump’s current approval rating in the U.S.
• March 17, 2025 – Date President Trump toured the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a recent public appearance

Full Depth

Complete Coverage

The Catalyst

The Pew Research Center’s global survey highlights a significant lack of confidence in President Trump’s ability to lead on the world stage. This sentiment is not new but has been exacerbated by recent policies and actions.

“President Trump is the president of the American people and his priority is to work on their behalf, nobody else’s,” said White House spokesman Steven Cheung in response to the survey.

Inside Forces

President Trump’s “America First” agenda has been a central theme of his presidency. However, this approach has been seen as isolating and divisive by many international observers. The survey reflects this perception, with majorities in almost every country describing President Trump as “arrogant” and “dangerous.”

Richard Wike from Pew noted that people in other countries often want to see the U.S. working collaboratively to address global challenges, and when the U.S. goes its own way, it is seen more negatively.

Power Dynamics

The relationship between the U.S. and its key allies has been strained under President Trump’s leadership. The survey indicates that this strain is not just political but also deeply rooted in public opinion. President Trump’s approval rating of about 43% in the U.S. contrasts sharply with the widespread disapproval from international allies.

This dynamic suggests a power imbalance where the U.S. may face increased resistance and skepticism from its traditional allies.

Outside Impact

The global perception of President Trump’s leadership has broader implications for international relations and global governance. The lack of confidence in U.S. leadership could lead to a shift in global power dynamics, with other nations potentially filling the void left by U.S. isolationism.

This could also impact various global initiatives and collaborations, particularly in areas such as climate change, economic cooperation, and security.

Future Forces

Looking ahead, the U.S. may need to reassess its approach to global leadership to regain the trust of its allies. This could involve a more collaborative and multilateral approach to addressing global challenges.

Key areas for potential reform include:

• International cooperation on climate change and environmental issues
• Economic partnerships and trade agreements
• Global security and defense alliances
• Human rights and humanitarian efforts

Data Points

• June 12, 2025 – Date of the Pew Research Center’s survey release
• March 17, 2025 – President Trump’s recent public appearance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
• 43% – President Trump’s current approval rating in the U.S.
• 28,000+ – Number of people surveyed globally