US President Donald Trump, determined to get Greenland, waiting for a US-Ukraine mineral deal and continuing to impose tariffs on other countries, confidently presented his "achievements" in governance during a joint session of Congress.
However, global respondents were not convinced. A CGTN poll of 15,257 respondents from 38 countries found that the "America First" policy is having a serious impact on US-Europe relations, while confidence in the US is rapidly declining among respondents from its traditional allies.
"America First" exacerbates the trust deficit.
Since the new administration took office, the "America First" policy has been indiscriminately affecting European countries. The US approach of prioritising its own interests and disregarding the legitimate rights of other countries, as demonstrated in the case of Ukraine and the Greenland Islands, has seriously undermined the international order and weakened the confidence of European countries and allies in the United States.
According to the survey, 62.9 % respondents from around the world condemned the "America First" policy and criticized its disregard for the legitimate interests of other nations.
Among European respondents, this share rose to 67.7 percent. In addition, 53.8 percent of European respondents believed that US trade barriers have caused serious negative impacts on the global economy. A total of 78.8 per cent of respondents criticised the US for using international economic and financial organisations to exert economic pressure on other countries, and 60.9 per cent condemned the US for provoking geopolitical conflicts in the world. Furthermore, 70.4 % respondents believed that "American hegemony" seeks to undermine the current international order.
In addition, 55.1 percent of respondents from around the world believe that the U.S. is failing to fulfill its duties and obligations as a major power in global governance; 63.9 percent criticize the U.S. for frequently applying "double standards" to protect its own interests in international affairs; 54.8 percent of European respondents said that the "America First" policy is seriously undermining international cooperation, and called on countries to rethink their relations with the United States.
"Interest diplomacy" deepens divisions with allies
Upon taking office, the new US administration immediately adopted an approach of "interest-based diplomacy" that quickly eroded the alliance between the US and its allies, which was based on shared values and security interests. This included imposing tariffs on allies, demanding more military spending from Europe and seeking political and economic benefits through a mineral deal with Ukraine.
The survey found that concerns are hovering over the future of U.S. foreign relations under the new administration. Among the six non-U.S. G7 countries, 57 % respondents felt pessimistic about their country's bilateral relations with the U.S.
Germany and Canada expressed the greatest concern, with 66 per cent of respondents expressing pessimism, followed by Japan (60 per cent), the UK (59.3 per cent) and France (57.5 per cent).
In assessing the "America First" foreign policy, 63.9 percent of G7 respondents believed it would lead to the U.S. neglecting its traditional allies. Respondents from the United Kingdom (71.4 percent), Canada (71 percent), and Japan (69 percent) expressed the greatest agreement with this statement. Nearly 60 percent of respondents also agreed with France (59 percent) and Germany (58.5 percent).
The above data comes from two global surveys published by CGTN: "Global Impressions of the U.S. in 2024 Survey" and "Global Satisfaction Survey on Trump's First Month in Office."
The surveys were conducted by CGTN in collaboration with Renmin University of China through the New Age Institute of International Communication, targeting respondents worldwide. Respondents included individuals from developed countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany and France, as well as developing countries such as South Africa, Brazil, Chile, Nigeria, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam.
(Cover: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, from left, U.S. President Donald Trump and U.S. Vice President JD Vance during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 28, 2025. /VCG)
CMG / gnews.cz
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