A May 2026 poll across 15 European countries found a quarter of Europeans now see the United States as a rival or adversary, underscoring a deepening transatlantic trust crisis.
That shift follows Trump administration threats to curb NATO support, condition U.S. dues on allies’ spending, exclude Europe from Ukraine and Iran decisions, and even threaten tariffs over Greenland.
The mistrust is emerging even as Europe answers long-standing U.S. demands: almost all NATO members hit the 2% GDP target by 2025, and European allies plus Canada now provide 40% of NATO defense spending.
Europe also stepped up for Ukraine as U.S. aid waned, increasing 2025 financial and humanitarian support by nearly 60% and military aid by 67%, for more than $80 billion.
The report warns Washington could push Europe toward hedging with China or reviving ties with Moscow unless it rebuilds trust through consultation, coordinated troop changes, and a larger European role in Ukraine and Iran diplomacy.
Europe is rapidly arming itself, but is it building a stronger NATO or a future without America?
Can Europe’s new military escape its deep reliance on American technology that comes with potential 'kill switches'?
Declining European Trust in the US: Polls Reveal Shift Toward Strategic Autonomy and NATO Reassessment (2022–2026)
Overview
Recent polling shows that European trust in the United States as a reliable ally has declined, especially under Donald Trump’s presidency. US actions on the global stage, such as interventions in Venezuela and Greenland, have led Europeans to see America as a power that prefers to be feared rather than loved. This perception has pushed Europeans to embrace self-reliance and recognize the need to strengthen their own security. As a result, Europe is moving toward greater strategic autonomy, while US actions are seen as benefiting rivals like China and increasing differences among democratic allies.