Global Confidence in Leaders Shifts, Trump Remains Divisive

Worldwide Views on Key Figures Reveal Stark Contrasts

International perceptions of global leaders are in flux, with a recent survey highlighting a significant drop in confidence in **Donald Trump** following his presidency. While initial approval ratings plummeted during his 2016 election, they partially recovered under **Joe Biden**, a trend mirroring historical patterns after shifts in U.S. leadership.

Trump’s Polarizing Image Persists

The survey reveals a complex view of **Trump** internationally. A majority of respondents across numerous nations describe him as both “dangerous” and “arrogant,” with limited belief in his honesty. However, a notable portion also recognize him as a “strong leader.” This duality underscores his continued ability to inspire strong reactions, even among those who disapprove of his policies.

Interestingly, Hungary stands out as an exception to the broader trend, being the sole European country where a majority of citizens express confidence in the former U.S. president.

Macron Leads, Putin Lags in Global Approval

When compared to other prominent world leaders, **Emmanuel Macron** currently enjoys the highest level of global confidence, with a median approval rating of 46 percent. This contrasts with 34 percent for **Trump**, 25 percent for **Xi Jinping**, and a low of 16 percent for **Vladimir Putin**. However, **Macron’s** popularity dips domestically, with only 35 percent of French respondents expressing confidence in his leadership.

According to a recent report by the Council on Foreign Relations, global public trust in institutions—including governments—has been declining steadily over the past decade, falling from 52% in 2015 to 41% in 2023. Source: CFR 2023 This broader trend may contribute to the fluctuating confidence levels observed in the survey.

A Divided Europe

The survey data paints a picture of a fragmented Europe regarding its view of **Trump**. Beyond Hungary’s outlier status, most European nations exhibit low levels of confidence in the former president. This divergence highlights the varying geopolitical interests and historical relationships between the U.S. and different European countries.

The findings suggest that global perceptions of leadership are increasingly shaped by domestic political climates and evolving international dynamics. As the world navigates complex challenges, the ability of leaders to inspire trust and cooperation will be crucial.