As the Trump administration enters its second year, a CGTN global survey reveals mounting international criticism of U.S. policies. Conducted across 38 countries with 16,990 respondents, the study shows 84% disapproval of Washington's domestic and foreign affairs management through early 2026.
Eroding Global Confidence
Nearly 91% of participants noted a significant decline in U.S. international reputation, with 86.2% criticizing the 'America First' foreign policy framework. The survey highlights growing concerns about unilateral actions, with 81.4% condemning tariff-based interference in sovereign nations' affairs – a 5.7% increase from 2025 findings.
Domestic Divisions, International Tensions
88.8% of respondents observed heightened political polarization within U.S. society, while 83.9% expressed pessimism about their home countries' relations with Washington. Traditional alliances appear strained, with 90.1% viewing U.S. cooperation with long-term partners negatively.
Perceptions of Global Instability
64.7% of participants identified the United States as history's 'most warlike nation,' with 63.4% believing current policies actively threaten world peace. Recent interventions in Venezuela and Iran were particularly cited as examples of power-centric diplomacy undermining international norms.
The survey, conducted with Renmin University of China's Institute for New Era International Communication, sampled adults across major developed nations and Global South countries, maintaining demographic representativeness in all regions.
