One in five Europeans sees the US as a ‘threat’: Is public opinion turning to China?
One in Five Europeans Sees the US as a ‘Threat’: Is Public Opinion Shifting Toward China?
As 2026 unfolded, the United States remained a focal point of global tensions. Events such as the January ousting of President Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela and the escalating confrontation with Iran, which resulted in the loss of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have left Europe in a state of unease. A recent YouTrend survey reveals a notable decline in public confidence toward Washington, with 20% of respondents in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and Poland labeling it a “major threat”—a higher proportion than those who expressed similar concerns about North Korea.
Trump’s Criticisms Fuel Doubt
The perception of the US as a threat may be influenced by the Trump administration’s ongoing criticisms of European allies. From accusations that the EU was designed to undermine American interests to claims about insufficient NATO funding, these remarks have shaped public sentiment. Warnings of “civilisational suicide” and the recent tariff disputes, alongside efforts to acquire Greenland, further contribute to this sentiment. The survey findings align closely with the political stances of each nation’s leaders, reflecting a pattern of shared concerns.
Spain, where 31% of respondents view the US as a significant danger, was the sole EU country to openly criticise the Iran attack, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez describing it as “an unjustified, dangerous military intervention.”
Meanwhile, the US’s geopolitical rivals are gaining traction. China emerges as the preferred alternative, with minimal concern reported over its foreign policy. Only 2.8% of respondents identified China as a primary threat in a broader list of 19 potential dangers, including corruption, cybersecurity, and nuclear conflicts. The US, in contrast, ranks second in perceived threats at 21.5%, while the UK and France remain the most apprehensive about Washington’s policies.
A Temporary Rift?
Despite these concerns, the majority of respondents in the surveyed nations believe the current tension between the US and Europe is a passing phase. In France, Spain, Poland, Italy, and the UK, over half of participants expect a return to normalcy once Donald Trump steps down. Spain demonstrates the highest optimism, with 55% anticipating improved relations. However, Germany remains the most doubtful, as 47% suspect the rift has reached a critical stage.
Migration continues to dominate public anxieties, with an average of 31% of respondents in the surveyed countries citing it as their primary concern. Britain and Spain report the highest percentages, at 40% and 34% respectively. Poland, however, diverges, as 42% prioritise potential Russian aggression, and 30% fear generalised armed conflicts in Europe.
Italians, on the other hand, exhibit a more lenient view of Russia. They are the least likely to perceive Moscow as a major threat, with only 39% expressing such concerns, and the lowest percentage of respondents fearing renewed military action in Europe at 11%.
