Global confidence in U.S. President Donald Trump is waning as he marks 100 days into his second term, according to a recent poll by CGTN. The survey, which involved 15,947 respondents from 38 countries, highlights mounting challenges for Trump and his “America First” policy.
American Dissatisfaction Grows
Within the United States, 48.9% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with Trump’s performance. Over half criticized his tariff-centric approach, believing it has harmed the stock market, while 60.4% felt that his economic policies have failed to control inflation, leading to rising prices. Additionally, 54% voiced serious concerns about his interest rate policies.
Allies Express Pessimism
The discontent isn’t limited to the U.S. Public opinion in traditional American allies like France, Germany, Canada, Japan, and South Korea shows deep concern over strained relations. More than 70% of respondents in these countries are pessimistic about future ties with the United States. In South Korea, a striking 87% strongly agreed that the “America First” doctrine has made the U.S. less attentive to its allies.
Global South’s Confidence Declines
In the Global South, optimism about future relations with the U.S. is dwindling. Out of 23 developing countries surveyed, 19 expressed pessimism. Nations like South Africa, Egypt, Peru, Indonesia, and Malaysia saw optimism drop by more than 20 percentage points.
Opposition to Tariff Policies
The survey revealed widespread opposition to U.S. tariff policies. A significant 74.2% of global respondents believe these policies will seriously harm their countries’ economic development—a 16.3 percentage point increase in just two months. Resistance has grown notably in countries like Saudi Arabia and Serbia.
Southeast Asia’s Growing Resistance
Southeast Asian nations, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, view themselves as “hard-hit” by U.S. tariffs. Among respondents in these countries:
60.2% believe strengthening export controls and unilateral sanctions harms their development (up 15.5 points).
61.5% think reducing dependence on foreign imports and supply chains is detrimental (up 12.3 points).
Support for China’s Countermeasures
China’s firm stance against U.S. tariffs has garnered strong global backing. In 37 of the 38 countries surveyed, majorities supported China’s actions. Support was especially high in developing countries like Kenya (82.5%), Egypt, Brazil, and South Africa. Among developed nations, the United Kingdom led with a 70.5% support rate.
The surveys were conducted jointly by CGTN and Renmin University of China through the Institute of International Communication in the New Era.
