America’s reputation drops across the world
The proportion saying the United States will have a positive influence on world affairs has fallen in 26 out of 29 countries over the last six months.
A new 29-country Ipsos poll explores attitudes towards the United States, alongside a number of other nations and international institutions. It provides an update on how President Donald Trump’s second, non-consecutive term, has impacted America’s global reputation.
Key Findings
Belief in the US as a force for good falls. The proportion saying America will have an overall positive influence on world affairs has fallen in 26 out of 29 countries over the last six months. Today, almost two in five (46% on average across the 29 countries) say the US will have a positive influence, down from 59% who said the same in Sept/Oct 2024, prior to the presidential election.
The reputation of the US plummets in Canada. Only six months ago 52% of Canadians saw the US as a positive influencer; now only 19% feel the same. This 33-point fall is the largest recorded for any country. While ratings of the US did also fall among its northern neighbour during the first Trump term, this is the lowest score we have recorded for Canada since we started tracking this question in 2015.
The divided state of America. More than eight in ten (85%) Republicans currently predict their country will have a positive impact, compared to just 45% of Democrats. For Americans overall, 63% now think the US will have a positive impact on the world, which is the lowest figure we have recorded for the country in the last decade.
China is now seen as a more positive influence than the US. It’s the first time this has been the case during the ten years we have tracked this question. Across the 29 countries covered, an average of 49% say China will have positive effect on world affairs, up 10 points on six months ago. Israel and Iran remain the countries least likely to be seen as having a positive influence on the international arena. Iran’s score has however improved over the last six months, as have those of China, Pakistan, Russia and Saudi Arabia.
Commenting on the findings, Chris Jackson, Senior Vice President, Ipsos in the US said:
Three months into the second Trump Administration and six months after his election, the reputation of the United States as a force for good in the world has taken a serious hit, particularly among our traditional allies in Europe and Canada. This flies in the face of Donald Trump’s repeated campaign promise to restore respect for America around the world. However, given the inward focus of many Americans, its unlikely the MAGA base will notice our diminished standing on the world stage.
Technical note
Ipsos interviewed 22,715 online adults under the age of 75 across 29 countries between 21 March and 4 April. Full details in the report below. The previous wave was conducted between 20 Sept and 4 October 2024 on behalf of the Halifax Security Forum.
