U.S. Reputation Deteriorates, Could Fall Further After Trump Tariffs

According to a Morning Consult survey processed by Statista, the reputation of the United States (US) deteriorated in 38 out of 42 surveyed countries since the beginning of 2024.

The most negative sentiment was expressed by Swedish respondents, with a change in favorability rating of minus 47%. This was followed by Canada at minus 44%, Slovakia at minus 38%, and France at minus 33%.

Statista notes that Canada and South Korea are among the US's longest-standing allies.

Meanwhile, positive sentiment was expressed by Chinese respondents at only 6% and Russian respondents at 24%. According to Morning Consult, as reported by Statista, the increase in Russia is likely due to US President Donald Trump's involvement in discussions regarding the war in Ukraine and his disagreements with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a bilateral meeting.

"Regarding China, it is important to note that despite the increase at that time, China's overall view of the US remains overwhelmingly negative," Statista wrote on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.

It should also be noted that this survey was conducted before the latest escalation in the US-China trade war. Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping had exchanged additional import tariffs. Therefore, China's favorability rating could change or decline significantly.

Morning Consult analysts also explained that another factor contributing to the significant decline in pro-American sentiment is the Israeli attacks on Gaza. Favorability towards the US decreased, particularly in countries with large Muslim populations, due to US support for Israel.

This survey involved adult respondents (17 years and older) in 42 countries from January 1 to March 17, 2025. Net favorability is calculated as approval of the US minus disapproval. The graphic shows the change in rating from the largest negative to the positive in the top 11.