Story perspectives

Trust in US Plummets: Germans View Trump as Threat

2/13/2026

Center

Germany's Trust Erodes

Trust in the United States has sharply declined in Germany, with only about 10% of Germans trusting President Donald Trump, down from 93% for President Barack Obama in 2016.
Many Germans now consider the US a threat to world peace, alongside Russia and China.
Trump's tariffs have caused a 45% drop in direct investments in the US from Germany.
German tourism to the US has decreased by 12% due to concerns over immigration policies and safety.
Historical shifts in leadership suggest this erosion of trust may not be permanent.

Left

Vance Accuses Europe

At the Munich Security Conference, Vice President JD Vance accused European leaders of undermining their democracies.
Since then, U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs on European goods and sought to favor Russia in the Ukraine talks.
This dynamic raises questions about Europe's awareness of its relationship with the United States, a topic examined by journalists Steven Erlanger and Jim Tankersley.

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Germany's Trust Erodes

Trust in the United States has sharply declined in Germany, with only about 10% of Germans trusting President Donald Trump, down from 93% for President Barack Obama in 2016.
Many Germans now consider the US a threat to world peace, alongside Russia and China.
Trump's tariffs have caused a 45% drop in direct investments in the US from Germany.
German tourism to the US has decreased by 12% due to concerns over immigration policies and safety.
Historical shifts in leadership suggest this erosion of trust may not be permanent.

1 / 2