Kathrine Frich
The findings come after a turbulent 12 months in American politics.
The findings come after a turbulent 12 months in American politics.
British Trust in U.S. Collapses, Poll Reveals
A new poll shows British trust in the United States has plummeted over the past year.
Only 38% of Britons now believe the U.S. acts responsibly on the world stage, a sharp drop from 53% in 2024.
The findings come after a turbulent 12 months in American politics.
Distrust in America Rises Sharply
According to the British Foreign Policy Group, distrust of the U.S. has soared. 41% of respondents now say they actively distrust America, up from just 26% the year before.
The dramatic shift underscores rising concern among the British public.
Trump’s Return Sparks Alarm
Much of the unease appears linked to Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January.
The former president’s political comeback has stirred global anxiety, and in the UK, it’s reshaping how the public views America’s role in the world.
Trump Seen as Greater Threat Than Terrorism
In a striking result, 33% of Britons said Trump’s actions pose a greater threat to national security than terrorism (32%) or the rise of China (25%).
That figure places the U.S. president at the top of the perceived danger list among British respondents.
The “Special Relationship” Takes a Hit
Support for the U.S. as Britain’s closest ally has plummeted. Just 31% of Britons now view the U.S. as the UK’s key partner, compared to 54% in 2024.
This 23-point drop marks a historic low in recent memory.
EU Emerges as New Preferred Ally
As U.S. favorability declines, support for the European Union as Britain’s top ally has nearly doubled, rising from 17% to 29% in the past year.
The shift signals a renewed desire for closeness with Europe, six years after Brexit.
Brexit Regrets Linked to Trump’s Return
A majority of Britons now feel that Trump’s return is cause to rethink Brexit-era decisions.
62% say the UK should move closer to the EU in light of recent U.S. political developments.
National Security Fears Driven by Politics
The poll results point to a broader sense of insecurity, with political leadership in the U.S. now considered a top-level threat.
The rise of China and terrorism remain concerns, but the behavior of a key ally is seen as more immediately destabilizing.
