International views of the U.S. and its president are increasingly correlated
During Joe Biden’s presidency, as well as during Donald Trump’s first term, there was a much weaker relationship between views of the U.S. and confidence in its president.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
During Joe Biden’s presidency, as well as during Donald Trump’s first term, there was a much weaker relationship between views of the U.S. and confidence in its president.
A median of 55% across 37 countries hold a favorable view of the UN, though views in some countries have turned more negative in recent years.
In a random sample of 10,000 webpages collected in July 2026, one-in-ten show signs of being written or substantially edited by AI.
Canadians and Mexicans also now view Chinese President Xi Jinping more positively than Trump, even as relatively few people in both countries have confidence in the two leaders.
In 16 middle-income countries surveyed, many people are unsure how U.S. humanitarian aid cuts will affect them, though those with opinions lean negative.
U.S. foreign aid fell to its lowest inflation-adjusted level in over two decades in fiscal 2025, dropping to $47.3 billion — more than $24 billion less than the prior year.
Fossil fuels still dominate global electricity, but wind and solar are surging. In 2025, renewables outpaced coal worldwide for the first time, supplying 34% of electricity.
Views of China have improved recently while views of the U.S. have worsened, to the point where China is now seen more positively than the U.S. in most countries surveyed.
Growing shares of people see China favorably and have confidence in Xi Jinping, though opinions are much less positive in wealthier nations.
Over 100 countries have enacted energy policy changes in response to the Middle East conflict, from tax adjustments to fuel subsidies.
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