Trump's Global Image and US‑Israel Ties Face Growing Skepticism

A Pew Research Center poll of over 42,000 respondents in 36 countries found that only 23 % express trust in President Donald Trump’s international leadership, a sharp decline from previous years. Support is strongest in the Philippines (68 %), Israel (66 %) and Nigeria (65 %), while confidence is lowest in parts of the Middle East and Europe. Overall, 37 % of people worldwide hold a positive view of the United States, compared with 57 % who view it negatively.

In parallel, reports indicate a cooling of US‑Israel relations under the Trump administration. Israeli officials note fewer high‑level contacts, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visits to Washington dropping from five in 2025 to a single trip in February 2024. Vice‑President J.D. Vance and Trump have increasingly criticized the Israeli government, and Trump allegedly called Netanyahu a “crazy bastard.” Despite White House statements affirming strong ties, Israel appears to be preparing for greater strategic independence.