Keep Factually independent

Whether you agree or disagree with our analysis, these conversations matter for democracy. We don't take money from political groups - even a $5 donation helps us keep it that way.

Loading...Time left: ...
Loading...Goal: $500

Fact check: What are some of the international and worldwide opinions of the US Government from their citizens?

Checked on August 8, 2025

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, international opinions of the US Government reveal a complex and largely negative picture from global citizens:

Global Confidence Crisis: President Trump receives mostly negative ratings internationally, with majorities in 19 out of 24 countries lacking confidence in his leadership [1]. This represents a significant decline in America's global standing.

Declining Reputation: The reputation of the US as a force for good has fallen in 26 out of 29 countries over a six-month period, with only 46% of respondents saying the US will have a positive influence on world affairs [2]. This marks a dramatic shift in global perception.

China's Rising Influence: China is now seen as a more positive influence than the US in global affairs, indicating a fundamental shift in how international citizens view global leadership [2].

Economic Concerns: A median of 59% of people in various countries consider the amount of debt their country owes to the US as a very serious problem, though more people still have a positive view of the US than of China [3].

Domestic Division Reflected Globally: The divided state of America is evident in international perceptions, with 85% of Republicans predicting a positive US impact compared to just 45% of Democrats [2].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks several crucial contextual elements:

Policy-Specific Concerns: The analyses reveal specific policy areas driving negative opinions, including controversial domestic policies such as increasing federal law enforcement in DC and threatening to use the military on US soil [4], which may be perceived as authoritarian by international observers.

Human Rights Issues: International opinion is influenced by the US's role in global anti-migrant crackdowns and forced expulsions, with the international regime protecting refugees and asylum-seekers having "effectively reached its expiration date" [5].

Ideological Divisions: Views of US leadership differ sharply along ideological and partisan lines internationally, with people on the right and those favorable to right-wing populist parties viewing Trump more favorably [1].

American Self-Perception: Domestically, Americans themselves are divided on their country's global role, with 56% thinking the US should play an active role while 43% believe the country should stay out of world affairs [6].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question appears neutral and factual in its framing, seeking information about international opinions without making claims that could be considered misinformation. However, there are some limitations:

Temporal Context Missing: The question doesn't specify a timeframe, which is crucial given that US international standing has declined significantly in recent months [2].

Lack of Specificity: The question doesn't distinguish between opinions of US government policies versus opinions of specific leaders, though the analyses show Trump specifically receives negative ratings internationally [1].

Oversimplification: The question treats "international opinions" as monolithic, while the analyses reveal that views vary significantly based on ideological alignment and partisan affiliation even among international observers [1].

The question itself doesn't contain misinformation but could benefit from more specific framing to capture the nuanced and rapidly changing nature of international perceptions of US governance.

Want to dive deeper?
How do European citizens view the current US administration's foreign policy?
What are the most common criticisms of the US Government from Latin American citizens?
How do Asian nations perceive the US Government's role in global trade and security?
What are the opinions of African citizens on US involvement in their regional conflicts?
Do global citizens think the US Government prioritizes national interests over international cooperation?