British people’s trust in America has plummeted during Donald Trump’s first year back in power, according to a major new poll.
The YouGov survey of 4,000 people for the Best for Britain campaign group found that more than half the country – 56% – now distrust the USA, compared to 40% a year ago.
At the same time, the number of people who say they trust the UK’s long-standing ally has fallen from 30% to 15% in the last 12 months.
The findings were revealed on the first anniversary of Trump’s re-election to the White House after his victory over Kamala Harris last November.
Since then, he has clashed with Downing Street in areas such as the Ukraine war and Trump’s decision to impose swingeing tariffs on countries including the UK.
The poll also found that the European Union is now seen as a far more reliable international partner than the US.
A year ago, both were virtually neck-and-neck on 33% and 32% respectively.
But now, 42% of Brits say the EU is more reliable, compared to 22% who say America.
The EU is also seen as a far more important trading partner, with over 51% of people rating it number one, compared to just 21% saying the US, despite Keir Starmer and Trump agreeing a trade deal earlier this year.
Best for Britain chief executive Naomi Smith said: “British people are wide awake to the risk Donald Trump’s authoritarian and chaotic approach poses to the global order – and rightly no longer place their full trust in an increasingly volatile United States.
“Voters have repeatedly told us they expect the government to work pragmatically with our most reliable and important trading partner – Europe – to improve the economy, get bills down and ensure our collective security.
“Labour needs to pick up the pace with Brussels or risk being punished by an electorate still feeling the cost of living squeeze at the next election.”
Sir Kim Darroch, who was British ambassador to the United States during Trump’s first term in office, said: “President Trump’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine has been deeply inconsistent. He has at times threatened stronger sanctions on Putin’s Russia, but at other times appeared to blame Ukraine and pressed them to capitulate.
“He has been similarly inconsistent on the US commitment to Nato and the principle of collective defence. All of this makes it crucial and urgent that the government accelerates work on the reset with the EU.”
