Story perspectives

EU Trust in US Drops to 11%, Defense Spending Up

6/11/2026

Summary

Europeans Shun US

A poll of 19,481 adults in 15 European nations found 11% view the United States as an ally, down from 16% six months earlier and 22% in November 2024.
Support for higher defense spending rose to 22% and 47% back EU joint bonds.
Confidence the United States would aid them if attacked is low—12% in Spain, 15% in Austria.
Most respondents expect relations to improve if President Donald Trump leaves office.

Summary

Trump Withdraws Troops

U.S. President Donald Trump announced the United States will withdraw troops from Germany, a NATO pullout.
Donald Trump imposed tariffs on European imports, warned NATO would leave unless Europe raises spending and backs the U.S.–Israeli war with Iran, and threatened to seize Greenland, raising friction.
Ursula von der Leyen said the breakdown forces Europe toward independence, noting that Friedrich Merz clashed with Donald Trump over the U.S. Middle-East war stance.

History

Historical Context

The 2003 Iraq invasion, led by the United States with the United Kingdom, Australia and Poland, triggered worldwide protests and was opposed by France’s foreign minister Dominique de Villepin, who urged continued UN inspections. A Gallup poll the next day showed 76 % U.S. support; opposition grew to 62 % by 2007 and 61 % in 2023 now deem the war a mistake, highlighting lasting transatlantic distrust.

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Europeans Shun US

A poll of 19,481 adults in 15 European nations found 11% view the United States as an ally, down from 16% six months earlier and 22% in November 2024.
Support for higher defense spending rose to 22% and 47% back EU joint bonds.
Confidence the United States would aid them if attacked is low—12% in Spain, 15% in Austria.
Most respondents expect relations to improve if President Donald Trump leaves office.

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