A recent survey conducted across eight major European Union nations and Denmark has revealed that more than half of Europeans perceive former U.S. President Donald Trump as an “enemy of Europe.” The findings, published ahead of the ongoing European Council summit, highlight growing skepticism towards Trump and broader concerns about transatlantic relations, security, and democratic governance.
The survey, commissioned by Le Grand Continent and Cluster 17, collected responses from over 10,000 individuals between March 11 and 14. Among its key takeaways:
- 51% of respondents consider Trump an “enemy of Europe.”
- 63% believe that Trump’s potential re-election would make the world less safe.
- Only 13% think that Trump respects democratic principles.
- 43% describe him as having “authoritarian tendencies.”
- 39% assert that Trump “acts like a dictator.”
These numbers reflect widespread distrust towards Trump among European citizens, indicating a significant shift in attitudes towards U.S. leadership.
Beyond personal perceptions of Trump, the survey also gauged European perspectives on global security and alliances. The findings illustrate a strong inclination towards European self-reliance:
- 70% of respondents believe the EU must rely solely on its own forces for security and defense rather than depending on the United States.
- Only 10% trust that the U.S., under Trump’s leadership, would uphold European security.
- 55% foresee a high risk of armed conflict on EU soil in the coming years, with the greatest concerns voiced in Romania (74%) and Poland (71%).
- While opinion remains split, a majority in most surveyed nations support the idea of a common EU military force.
These statistics underscore a shifting paradigm in European defense policy, where the EU is increasingly prioritizing strategic autonomy over reliance on U.S. military support.
The skepticism towards Trump extends beyond politics into the business and technology sectors. The survey also explored European attitudes toward billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, who has wielded considerable influence through companies such as Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter):
- Nearly 80% of respondents expressed distrust in Musk.
- Around 50% of individuals in Belgium, Denmark, and France support boycotting Tesla’s electric vehicles.
This reflects a broader apprehension about the role of American tech moguls in European economic and political affairs, further fueling discussions about EU regulatory policies on foreign corporate influence.
The findings from this survey indicate a significant deterioration in European trust towards U.S. leadership under Trump. As Trump’s influence continues to shape global politics, European leaders may seek to further decouple from Washington’s influence, emphasizing policy independence, military strengthening, and tighter regulatory measures against American corporate dominance.
The survey paints a stark picture of European attitudes towards Donald Trump, with concerns about authoritarianism, global security risks, and weakened transatlantic alliances. As the European Council summit progresses, these perceptions are likely to influence discussions on the EU’s strategic direction, particularly in the realms of security, defense, and diplomatic relations with the United States.
