U.S. President Donald Trump’s "America First" approach is shaking global alliances, according to a new CGTN poll surveying 15,257 people across 38 countries. Over 62% of respondents worldwide criticized the policy for ignoring other nations' interests—jumping to 67.7% among Europeans. From tariffs to mineral deals, the U.S. strategy is fueling distrust even among long-time allies like Germany and Canada.
Trust Takes a Hit
Europeans aren’t holding back: 70.4% accuse the U.S. of undermining the international order, while 60.9% slam its role in stoking geopolitical conflicts. "It’s like watching a breakup with the world’s BFFs," said one analyst. G7 allies are feeling the chill too—57% in non-U.S. G7 nations worry bilateral ties are worsening.
Alliance Anxiety Peaks
Germany and Canada lead the skepticism (66% pessimistic), followed by Japan and the UK. Over 63% of G7 respondents fear the U.S. will neglect allies—a sentiment strongest in the UK (71.4%) and Canada (71%). Even France and Germany see nearly 60% agreeing.
Meanwhile, 55% of global respondents say the U.S. isn’t stepping up on global issues. Critics argue Trump’s focus on trade wars and mineral deals with Ukraine, combined with demands for higher European military spending, is fracturing decades-old partnerships.
The data comes from CGTN’s 2024 surveys, co-led with Renmin University of China, covering voices from the U.S. to Vietnam. One thing’s clear: The world is watching—and many aren’t sold on "America First."
Over 62% of respondents worldwide criticized the policy for ignoring other nations' interests—jumping to 67.7% among Europeans. From tariffs to mineral deals, the U.S. strategy is fueling distrust even among long-time allies like Germany and Canada.
"It’s like watching a breakup with the world’s BFFs," said one analyst. G7 allies are feeling the chill too—57% in non-U.S. G7 nations worry bilateral ties are worsening.
Over 63% of G7 respondents fear the U.S. will neglect allies—a sentiment strongest in the UK (71.4%) and Canada (71%). Even France and Germany see nearly 60% agreeing.
Critics argue Trump’s focus on trade wars and mineral deals with Ukraine, combined with demands for higher European military spending, is fracturing decades-old partnerships.
