What’s New: Public Opinion Turns Against Trump’s Foreign Policy Strategy
A new Pew Research Center survey released April 8, 2025, reveals that Americans largely disapprove of President Donald Trump’s early foreign policy actions in his second term. The findings highlight growing concerns over Trump’s international alignments, especially with Russia, and policy shifts like withdrawing from global organizations and imposing tariffs on trade partners.
“More Americans say Trump favors Russia too much than believe he strikes the right balance in global conflicts,” Pew’s data shows.
Key Findings from the Pew Survey
Here’s what Americans think of Trump’s major foreign policy decisions so far:
1. Russia Overreach? 43% Say Yes
- 43% believe Trump is favoring Russia too much in the Ukraine conflict.
- Only 31% say he’s striking the right balance.
- 22% remain unsure.
This sentiment comes amid Trump’s attempts to broker a ceasefire, including direct calls with Putin and suspending military aid to Ukraine.
| Perception | Total (%) | Democrats | Republicans |
|---|---|---|---|
| Favors Russia too much | 43 | 72 | 16 |
| Right balance | 31 | 7 | 57 |
| Favors Ukraine too much | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| Not sure | 22 | 18 | 23 |
2. Tariffs on China: Unpopular and Personal Impact Feared
- 52% say China tariffs will be bad for the U.S.
- 53% expect personal financial harm.
- Just 24% think the tariffs are beneficial nationally; only 10% personally.
Republicans support the move more than Democrats but still show signs of concern, especially younger GOP voters.
3. Exit from Global Agreements: WHO, Paris Accord, and USAID
Most Americans disapprove of Trump’s withdrawal from international partnerships:
- Leaving WHO: 52% disapprove, 32% approve
- Exiting Paris Climate Agreement: 46% disapprove, 32% approve
- Ending USAID programs: 45% disapprove, 35% approve
Support varies widely by party affiliation, with Republicans backing these decisions significantly more than Democrats.
4. Territorial Ambitions: Greenland and Gaza Proposals Rejected
Trump’s interest in taking over Greenland or Gaza is met with broad opposition:
Greenland Takeover:
- 54% oppose, 23% favor
- 41% of Republicans support; 81% of Democrats oppose
Gaza Takeover:
- 62% oppose, only 15% favor
- GOP support is muted (27%), with Democrats strongly rejecting (80% opposed)
5. Israel-Palestine Policy: Divided Views
Trump’s stance on the Middle East is also polarizing:
- 31% say he favors Israelis too much
- 29% say he’s balanced
- 3% say he favors Palestinians too much
- 37% are unsure
While Republicans mostly approve of Trump’s handling, 50% of Democrats say he favors Israel excessively.
Age & Partisan Gaps Fuel Foreign Policy Division
Older adults are more likely to support Trump’s global decisions, while younger Americans show heightened skepticism. Similarly, Republican support underpins most favorable views of Trump’s approach, while Democrats express near-universal disapproval across all areas.
Conclusion: Americans Want a Different Global Strategy
Trump’s second-term foreign policy is off to a controversial start, with broad disapproval of his perceived favoritism toward Russia, disengagement from global institutions, and nationalist trade policies. As geopolitical tensions continue, public sentiment may shape the administration’s path forward.
Key Takeaways
- 43% say Trump is too aligned with Russia in Ukraine policy.
- 52% think tariffs on China will hurt the U.S.; 53% expect personal financial impact.
- Most Americans oppose U.S. takeovers of Greenland (54%) and Gaza (62%).
- Global withdrawals from WHO, the Paris Agreement, and USAID programs are unpopular.
- Deep partisan and generational divides fuel foreign policy perceptions.
Stay Informed: For updates on Trump’s foreign policy and its global impacts, follow Pew Research Center and major national outlets.
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