3 weeks Ago
The extent of feeling is especially strong in European countries like the Netherlands, Germany and France. In these countries, most people say they have “no confidence at all” in Trump as a world leader. And in the Netherlands, they trust him, by a mere 43 percent — even among right-wing voters of the PVV party.
By contrast, more than 20 percentage points more Dutch say President Emmanuel Macron of France is trustworthy than say the same of Trump.
Trump’s personality is also held in the worst regard by Dutch citizens. A lopsided 93 percent say he is arrogant, as opposed to only 9 percent who felt that way about Joe Biden back in the day. Honesty, diplomacy and leadership are not adjectives with Trump in the same category. Such views reflect broader anxieties about the health of American democracy, which many Dutch believe to be broken by deep political rifts.
Composite Image across Different Regions
But despite these criticisms, Trump is still quite popular in some countries, such as Hungary, India, Nigeria and Israel. His nationalist and conservative positions in Hungary and India reflect the views of many citizens. These countries are home to people who often admire strong, traditional leaders, which helps to explain his appeal.
Trump’s position as a political force is unique globally, some analysts say, due to his brash media presence and a flair for divisive rhetoric. This strategy, however repugnant, plays to his base — yet endears him to others who find him a figure of strength and persistence, regardless of his policies.
When it comes to individual issues, Trump fares best (comparatively badly) on immigration. In general, approximately one-third of people in the 24 countries included in the poll approve of his practices on immigration. Yet almost two-thirds voice little or no confidence. The calls have been loudest in Mexico, where 87 percent do not trust how he is handling immigration.
It is climate change that Trump does worst. In none of the countries surveyed does a majority of the public believe in his approach to climate issues, with only 21 percent in favor and 72 percent opposed. His global ratings are even lower on other major issues, including China relations and the conflict in Ukraine. There is at best moderate support even among right-wing voters in the Netherlands, France, and Sweden.
Home Support Also Weakening
Trump’s own appeal is also waning in the United States. His approval rating has fallen from 41 percent in April to 38 percent in early June, according to a recent poll. This downturn came shortly after he was at odds with Elon Musk on the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” Both figures are viewed negatively by the public, with 53 percent of respondents saying they view Trump unfavorably and 57 percent saying the same of Musk. And the bill itself is unpopular, with more than half of voters opposing it.
Strangely, Trump is being popular in parts of Africa like Nigeria and Kenya, and we are not sure why. Maybe it's the exposure he’s getting in the media, or the support from local officials. But it’s not clear how much the population of those countries knows about American politics.
Worldwide, more men than women express confidence in Trump. He is more popular among right-wing voters than left-wing voters. Still, the ranks of those who believe Trump is an unfit leader are growing, in the United States and around the world.
