A recent survey conducted across six European countries indicates a significant decline in trust toward the United States, with many Europeans now viewing Washington more as a threat than a reliable partner. The survey, carried out between March 13 and 21, 2026, involved 6,698 respondents from Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and Poland and revealed that only 12 percent see the U.S. as a close ally, while 36 percent regard it as a threat.

Experts attribute this shift to what they describe as growing U.S. unilateralism and exceptionalism, which have strained trans-Atlantic relations and undermined Washington’s credibility among traditional allies. The poll coincided with a series of controversial actions attributed to the current U.S. administration since President Donald Trump’s return to office in January 2025. These include skepticism toward NATO commitments, threats to annex Greenland and Canada, imposition of tariffs on allies, and engaging in a military conflict with Iran that Europe has declined to join.

The survey also highlighted complex attitudes toward European security. While a significant majority—76 percent—expressed support for sending troops to defend an attacked ally, and 81 percent were willing to defend fellow European Union member states specifically, only 19 percent indicated personal readiness to engage in combat if their own country were attacked. This disparity points to challenges for European nations in addressing troop shortages and sustaining collective defense efforts.

Chinese analysts interpreting the findings suggest that Washington’s recent policies have increasingly conflicted with European interests, eroding previously shared values and commitments. Liu Le, an associate researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, noted that U.S. actions on Greenland, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the Iran war have contributed to Europe’s eroding trust. He characterized the U.S. policy approach as shifting from “America first” to an “America only” stance, intensifying negative perceptions of U.S. strategic consistency.

Another expert, Chen Hong from East China Normal University, described the U.S. administration’s use of security pledges as political leverage, citing examples like tariff threats and exclusionary economic policies targeting allies. Chen argued that Washington’s approach has transformed economic relations from mutually beneficial partnerships into tools for advancing American interests, thereby diminishing Europe’s role from equal partner to strategic asset subject to manipulation.

Despite these tensions, experts agree that Europe's complete disengagement from the U.S. alliance remains unlikely in the immediate future. Instead, Europe appears to be pursuing a more autonomous security policy as a pragmatic adjustment to U.S. unilateralism, without abandoning the broader trans-Atlantic relationship.

The survey also revealed a notable divergence in threat perceptions, with more respondents viewing the U.S. as a threat compared to China. In four of the six surveyed countries, the U.S. was seen as a greater threat, including Spain, where 51 percent of respondents expressed this view. Commentators suggest that Europe’s increased engagement with China reflects a strategic necessity aimed at achieving greater independence and addressing shared interests, despite ongoing differences.

Overall, the findings underscore a shifting landscape in trans-Atlantic relations, marked by diminishing U.S. influence and growing European efforts to recalibrate its security and economic partnerships.