More Than Half Of Europeans Consider Trump An “Enemy,” According To New Poll

Updated March 23, 2025 at 7 p.m.*

-Analysis-

PARIS – U.S. President Donald Trump has been in power for only two months, but he has already reshaped European attitudes. And it’s not just political leaders scrambling to build a more independent defense for the continent. His impact is also evident in public opinion, as shown by a new survey conducted in nine European Union countries.

This study by the Cluster17 Institute for the online journal Le Grand Continent reveals a strong consensus on European defense. A total of 70% of Europeans believe the EU should rely solely on its own forces for security, while only 10% think it can count on the United States.

This marks a real shift, even in traditionally pro-Transatlantic countries like Germany, where 76% now support an exclusively European defense. In Italy, despite Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s efforts to maintain strong ties with Washington, 58% back European defense. In France, support is even higher, at 77%.

French nuclear umbrella

Even more surprising, around 60% of respondents support the idea of a joint European army — despite the fact that such a proposal isn’t even on the table in government plans.

European leaders will feel validated in their push for stronger defense

European leaders will feel validated in their push for stronger defense efforts since Trump’s arrival, as well as in the commitments made just this week to bolster European defense. Even Brussels’ recent proposal to purchase exclusively European-made weapons has garnered overwhelming support, with 71% approval.

Similarly, Europeans are largely in favor of extending France’s nuclear umbrella to cover the entire continent, with an average of 61% support. Notably, the French themselves are more divided on the issue — 52% in favor, 48% against — likely due to concerns about being drawn into conflicts that don’t directly affect their own borders.

Trump (and Musk) effect

This strong support does have its limits. When asked about increasing defense spending to 5% of GDP, approval drops to just 43% across Europe, with significant regional disparities — 62% in Poland, where military spending is already nearing that threshold, but only 19% in Italy.

These results are largely due to the “Trump effect,” but also to the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine three years ago and the fear of a conflict on European soil. The survey highlights a strong rejection of the U.S. president, with 51% of Europeans considering him an “enemy” of Europe, compared to just 9% who view him as a “friend.”

Europe is built in times of crisis

Only in Romania and Poland does Donald Trump have some support, although it remains a minority. The rejection is even more pronounced for Elon Musk, with a majority in favor of boycotting Tesla cars.

This study once again shows that Europe is built in times of crisis, triggered by a shock, in this case, two shocks: first, Vladimir Putin, and now Trump. The survey reveals that public opinion is mobilized, but it also reflects a deep distrust toward political leaders. The pressure is now on them: to rise to the challenge of a historic moment.

*Originally published March 20, 2025, this article was updated March 23, 2025 with enriched media.