Three-quarters of Britons see Donald Trump’s America as a serious threat to global peace, according to a new report.
The British Social Attitudes survey found 74% of the general public seem wary of the US’s place on the world stage – a stark change compared to two years ago, before Trump began his second term in office.
At that time, just a third (36%) of the British general public felt that way.
According to the report published by the National Centre for Social Research, that’s almost the same threat level Brits feel about Iran (75%) and Israel (78%).
The perceived threat level is still lower than Russia (89%) but significantly higher than the one Brits feel about China (62%).
Since Trump was re-elected in November 2024, he has upended Western diplomacy by appearing to align the States with Russia over Ukraine.
European allies fear that his lack of support for Kyiv undermines the continent’s security and emboldens Vladimir Putin in his ongoing land grab.
The US president also started a war in Iran by launching joint strikes with Israel towards Tehran in late February, causing chaos with global fuel supplies and sending the cost of living skyrocketing.
The survey found 42% of Brits now think the UK’s best interests are served via a closer relationship with “western Europe” – compared to just 9% who feel a closer link with Trump is for the best.
When it comes solely to Britain’s military and defence interests, just 10% said a closer tie with the US was best, compared to 46% who chose the EU.
Sophia Gaston, foreign policy researcher and author of the report, said: “The post-Cold War peace that endured for so many years no longer shapes the country’s worldview.”
She said that as Brits have growing doubt about the US, they have become much more favourable towards Europe.
The specialist explained: “War in Europe, instability in the Middle East, strategic competition with China and doubts about American leadership have led to a psychological shift in Britain, putting foreign policy and national security at the heart of the collective consciousness.
“Britons have undoubtedly become more favourable towards Europe. In a clear break with the post-Brexit era, people have a clearer understanding of what the EU is and value practical ties in a world shaped by conflict.
“Yet it would be a mistake to conclude that the country sees defence in binary, ‘Europe versus America’ terms. Britons recognise the need for a diversified approach to security alliances; one built on balance, resilience and flexibility.”
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