New Pew poll shows global confidence in Trump at 23% as president touts economic success

Jun 17, 2026

A Pew Research Center survey of 36 nations reveals that only 23% of global respondents have confidence in President Donald Trump's leadership, with 76% expressing no confidence. Meanwhile, Trump celebrated Father's Day by touting the 'BEST ECONOMY EVER' on social media, despite a domestic poll showing his economic approval at a record low of 33% amid 4.2% inflation. The global survey also highlights sharp declines in U.S. reliability among traditional allies like Canada and Germany.

Global confidence in Trump leadership

▪The highest confidence ratings for Donald Trump were recorded in the Philippines at 68%, Israel at 66%, Nigeria at 65%, and Kenya at 63%.
▪A Pew Research Center survey of 42,151 citizens in 36 nations found that 23% of international respondents have confidence in Donald Trump's leadership on world affairs.
▪A median of 37% of respondents across 36 nations view the United States favorably, while 57% view it unfavorably.
▪Donald Trump received low confidence ratings in countries with large Muslim populations, including 92% in Turkey, 87% in Malaysia, and 87% in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

U.S. reliability perceptions among allies

▪Perceptions of U.S. reliability in Canada fell from 83% in 2022 under President Joe Biden to 35% in 2026 under Donald Trump.
▪Perceptions of U.S. reliability fell by over 40 percentage points in Sweden, the Netherlands, and Germany since 2022.
▪The Pew Research Center survey found that 50% of respondents view the United States as an unreliable partner, compared with 47% who view it as reliable.
▪In Japan, the percentage of people who view the United States as reliable fell from 76% in 2022 to 59% in 2026.

Trump foreign policy approach

▪Donald Trump convened more than two dozen countries in February 2026 for the inaugural summit of his Board of Peace.
▪Donald Trump withdrew the United States from several United Nations commitments, reduced funding contributions, and criticized United Nations leadership.
▪NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte traveled to Washington, D.C. in June 2026 to meet with Donald Trump and reaffirm the alliance's relationship.
▪None of the 36 countries surveyed had a majority of respondents who approved of Donald Trump's handling of international issues, including tariffs, immigration, and conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and Iran.

White House response and domestic economic context

▪U.S. inflation rose to 4.2% in May 2026, driven by a 3.1% increase in food prices and a nearly 4% increase in energy prices.
▪Donald Trump stated that he attacked Iran to prevent it from acquiring a nuclear weapon, despite acknowledging the attack contributed to high inflation.
▪A June 2026 NPR/PBS News/Marist poll showed that 33% of Americans approve of Donald Trump's handling of the economy.
▪White House spokesperson Olivia Wales stated that Donald Trump has restored American strength and that his 'Peace Through Strength' foreign policy keeps America safe.
▪Donald Trump posted a Father's Day message on Truth Social on June 21, 2026, claiming the United States has the 'BEST ECONOMY EVER' with record jobs and stock market numbers.

Historical presidential comparison

▪Donald Trump's confidence ratings in France, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom are slightly higher than at the end of his first term and on par with George W. Bush's ratings at the end of his second term.
▪Former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden consistently received higher confidence ratings in France, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom than Donald Trump.