A year after Donald Trump reclaimed the presidency, public trust in the United States has significantly declined among the British population. A recent YouGov poll, commissioned by the campaign group Best for Britain, reveals that 56% of respondents now express distrust towards the US, a steep drop from 40% in the weeks following Trump’s re-election in November 2024. Only 20% of Britons currently trust the American administration, down from one-third a year ago.
The report, set to be published on March 6, 2025, coincides with the anniversary of Trump’s return to the Oval Office. During his tenure, the former president has been seen as a reluctant ally against Russia, and a proposed trade deal with the UK has left many feeling worse off compared to the previous year. This shift in sentiment has resulted in the European Union now being viewed as Britain’s most reliable partner.
Inconsistent Leadership and Its Impact
Former British Ambassador to the United States, Sir Kim Darroch, criticized Trump’s handling of international relations, particularly regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He described the president’s responses as “deeply inconsistent,” noting that Trump has fluctuated between threatening stronger sanctions against Russia and appearing to shift blame onto Ukraine.
This inconsistency extends to Trump’s commitments to NATO and collective defense principles. According to Darroch, these factors emphasize the urgency for the UK government to strengthen ties with the EU and pursue a proposed Security and Defence Partnership.
Naomi Smith, Chief Executive of Best for Britain, highlighted the broader implications of Trump’s leadership style. She stated, “British people are wide awake to the risk Donald Trump’s authoritarian and chaotic approach poses to the global order.” Smith emphasized that voters expect their government to engage pragmatically with Europe, which is seen as a critical trading partner.
The Future of UK-US Relations
The decline in trust raises important questions about the future of UK-US relations. The shifting dynamics suggest that the British public is increasingly prioritizing stability and reliability in their international partnerships. As the UK navigates the complexities of its post-Brexit landscape, the focus on collaboration with the EU appears to be gaining traction.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, both the UK government and voters will need to adapt to changing perceptions of trust and reliability on the global stage. The implications of this research could have lasting effects on diplomatic strategies and economic relationships between the UK and its key partners.
As public sentiment shifts, political leaders may need to respond proactively to reinforce trust and foster cooperation, not only with the United States but also with the European Union, which is now viewed as a crucial ally in addressing global challenges.
