US Public Opinion on Foreign Policy, Trade, and President Donald Trump’s Performance
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
Source: Pew Research Center
Half of the American public, including two-thirds of Republicans, favors paying less attention to problems overseas.
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.
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.
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
Source: Cato Institute
Americans believe trade has boosted consumer choice and innovation, but that it has also destroyed jobs and lowered wages.
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
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.
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
Source: Pew Research Center
Across a range of international issues, global publics lack confidence in Trump’s ability to handle international concerns.