Americans See EU as Ally at 40% as European Support Falls to 10% After Trump Return
Updated
Updated · IP Quarterly · Jun 30
Americans See EU as Ally at 40% as European Support Falls to 10% After Trump Return
2 articles · Updated · IP Quarterly · Jun 30
Summary
ECFR polling found a sharp transatlantic split after Donald Trump’s re-election: 40% of Americans in November 2025 called the EU an ally, while only 16% of Europeans did — dropping to about 10% by May 2026.
Trump’s return also pushed many countries to reassess both Washington and Europe, with publics increasingly treating the EU as an actor distinct from the US rather than an adjunct of American policy.
China and South Africa majorities now say EU policy toward their countries differs from US policy, while Russians increasingly view the EU — not the US — as their main adversary and Ukrainians have moved closer to Europe.
Outside Russia, most surveyed countries still see the EU as an ally or partner and expect ties to stay strong or strengthen, though ECFR says new crises could quickly test whether Europe is viewed as powerful or powerless.
Has Donald Trump’s presidency unintentionally created the united European superpower he sought to prevent?
With its massive defense budget, can Europe truly stand alone against rising global threats?
European Confidence in US Leadership Plummets in 2026: Drivers, Fallout, and the New Multipolar Order
Overview
By June 2026, European trust in the United States has dramatically declined, mainly due to the political climate in the US and the influence of Donald Trump. This loss of confidence has led to widespread skepticism about US leadership and security guarantees, pushing European nations to rethink their security strategies. As a result, Europe is moving toward greater self-reliance and adopting a more multipolar outlook, balancing relationships with other global powers. The sharp drop in approval for US leadership among NATO allies highlights this shift, as Europeans increasingly seek to reduce dependence on the US and strengthen their own strategic autonomy.