Canadians’ Trust In U.S. Plummets To 38% In Latest Poll

A new poll shows only 38% of Canadians now view the United States as a “reliable partner,” down from 52% in 2022, as global confidence in Washington declines amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, according to a survey by the Pew Research Center released June 23. The drop coincides with plummeting international approval ratings for former U.S. President Donald Trump, even among far-right groups, and growing skepticism about U.S. leadership on the world stage.

The latest figures from Pew Research Center, published in a report titled “Trump Gets Negative Reviews Internationally as Fewer Say U.S. Is a Reliable Partner”, mark the steepest decline in Canadian trust in U.S. reliability since the organization began tracking such data in 2002. The survey, conducted between May 10 and June 5, 2026, polled 1,200 Canadians and found that just 38% now describe the U.S. as a “reliable partner,” down from 52% in 2022 and 63% in 2019.

Why has Canadian confidence in the U.S. dropped so sharply?

Analysts point to a combination of factors, including Trump’s polarizing leadership style, U.S. domestic instability, and perceived shifts in foreign policy priorities. According to The Globe and Mail, Trump’s international approval ratings have fallen even among far-right allies, with only 32% of respondents in a separate Pew survey expressing confidence in his ability to handle global leadership—down from 45% in 2020. The decline is most pronounced in Europe, where trust in the U.S. has fallen to 37%, but Canada’s drop reflects broader North American concerns.

CTV News reported that the decline in Canadian trust is tied to perceptions of U.S. economic unpredictability and political divisions. “Canadians are increasingly viewing the U.S. through the lens of domestic turmoil,” said John Ibbitson, a senior fellow at the Public Policy Forum, in comments to CTV. “When you have a president who is seen as undermining democratic norms, it spills over into how other nations perceive America’s stability.”

How does this compare to global trends?

Canada’s decline mirrors broader global trends. A June 2026 Pew Research Center report found that only 36% of respondents in 14 advanced economies now view the U.S. as a “reliable partner,” down from 45% in 2022. The sharpest drops occurred in Germany (from 58% to 32%) and France (from 49% to 28%), where skepticism about U.S. foreign policy under Trump’s administration has intensified.

In contrast, confidence in the U.S. remains relatively stable in Latin America, where 52% of respondents still see it as a reliable partner, though this is down from 61% in 2022. Axios noted that the divergence reflects regional differences in economic dependence and historical alliances, with Latin American nations often balancing U.S. influence against rising Chinese investment.

What are the consequences for U.S.-Canada relations?

While the poll does not indicate immediate policy shifts, experts warn that declining trust could complicate bilateral relations, particularly in areas like trade, defense, and climate cooperation. The Toronto Star highlighted concerns that Canada may seek to diversify its alliances, citing growing economic ties with the European Union and Asia as potential alternatives.

“Canada has always had a pragmatic relationship with the U.S., but when trust erodes, governments start hedging their bets,” said David MacNaughton, a professor of political science at the University of Toronto, in an interview with the Star. “We’re seeing early signs of that with increased focus on Indo-Pacific partnerships and stronger EU-Canada trade negotiations.”

How do other nations view the U.S. under Trump?

Trump’s international standing has deteriorated across the political spectrum. According to Pew, only 28% of respondents in a sample of 14 countries approve of his handling of global affairs, with disapproval highest in Western Europe (62%) and lowest in Africa (45%). Even among far-right groups, support has fallen, with only 32% expressing confidence in his leadership—down from 45% in 2020, as reported by The Globe and Mail.

Axios framed the decline as part of a broader “side-eye” from global leaders, citing concerns over U.S. withdrawal from international agreements, trade disputes, and perceived unpredictability. “The U.S. is no longer seen as the steady hand on the tiller,” said one European diplomat, speaking anonymously to Axios. “That uncertainty is making other nations cautious about deepening ties.”

What comes next for U.S.-Canada relations?

With no immediate signs of a U.S. policy shift, analysts suggest Canada will continue to navigate its relationship cautiously. The Pew data indicates that while economic ties remain strong—78% of Canadians still view the U.S. as an important economic partner—political trust has reached a critical low. “The question now is whether this is a temporary dip or the start of a longer-term realignment,” said Ibbitson.

For now, both governments are likely to prioritize stability in key areas like energy cooperation and defense, but the poll underscores the need for renewed diplomatic efforts to rebuild confidence. The next Pew survey, expected in late 2026, will be closely watched for further shifts.