US Public Opinion on Foreign Policy, Trade, and President Donald Trump’s Performance

Bruce Stokes

Almost nine months into US President Donald Trump’s second term, many Americans are disengaged from the world. These views reflect a significant partisan divide. A split along political lines is even more striking in support for Israel in the wake of the war in Gaza. But Americans of both parties are unprecedentedly critical of both China and Russia, and support for Ukraine is on the rebound.

Opinions on economic engagement with the world are also starkly divided. Americans in general do not believe trade is good for the country, nor do they think it is good for them as workers. And such views are divided not only along partisan political lines, but also between the young and the old, between those with more and less education, and by income level.

As for Trump, majorities are critical of his handling of both international and domestic issues, including the economy and trade.

The following slide deck, assembled by Visiting Senior Fellow Bruce Stokes, draws on multiple sources to provide an overview of Americans’ views on US engagement in the world, relations with major foreign countries, and Trump’s performance in the face of both domestic and international challenges.

How Americans See Engagement With the World 

Views on international engagement and cooperation grahp

Source: Pew Research Center

Half of the American public, including two-thirds of Republicans, favors paying less attention to problems overseas.

Recent Trend in Americans' Favorable Ratings of Israel, by Party graph

Source: Gallup

The war in Gaza has dramatically undermined Democrats’ support for Israel, while Republican support remains strong.

Source: Gallup

Americans’ views of Russia are worse than they have been since the fall of the Soviet Union.

Support for Sending US Military Aid to Ukraine Graph

Source: The Chicago Council on Global Affairs

Six in ten Americans back additional military aid to Ukraine, and, for the first time in two years, this includes half of Republicans. 

American views of China warm slightly for first time since 2017

Source: Pew Research Center

Three in four Americans have a negative view of China—even more negative than views after Tiananmen.

Americans’ Views on Trade

Most Say Global Trade Has Increased the Variety of Products Americans Can Buy

Source: Cato Institute

Americans believe trade has boosted consumer choice and innovation, but that it has also destroyed jobs and lowered wages.

 

In both parties, those with bachelor's degrees more likely to say US benefits from increased trade with other nations

Source: Pew Research Center

Upper-income people, college grads, and whites are most likely to say the US gains more than it loses from trade. Only a quarter of Republicans agree. 

Views of Trump and His Policies

Over half of voters say the Trump Admin has made the economy worse poll

Source: Fox News Poll

The public is as critical of Trump’s handling of the economy as it was of Biden’s economic performance at the end of his term.

 

Majorities of Americans disapprove on how Trump is handling six issues

Source: The Washington Post

Majorities are now critical of Trump’s handling of major issues.

The Impact of Trump’s Policies on the United States’ Standing in the World

Most across 24 countries lack confidence in Trump to handle international issues chart

Source: Pew Research Center

Across a range of international issues, global publics lack confidence in Trump’s ability to handle international concerns.