Fact-Check Article: "A lot of people all around the world think Trump is not smart"
What We Know
The claim that "a lot of people all around the world think Trump is not smart" can be supported by various surveys and studies that assess global perceptions of Donald Trump's leadership and personal characteristics. According to a Pew Research Center survey, over half of respondents in 19 out of 24 countries expressed a lack of confidence in Trump's leadership on the world stage. This sentiment is echoed in a 2025 analysis that found Trump's net perception was negative in 82% of the surveyed countries, indicating widespread disapproval of his leadership style and decisions.
Furthermore, a 2019 Global Attitudes Survey revealed that Trump received more negative ratings than Chinese President Xi Jinping among traditional U.S. allies, suggesting that many people view him unfavorably. Additionally, in a survey conducted by Axios, respondents described Trump as "dangerous" and "arrogant," which aligns with the perception that he lacks the intelligence or capability expected from a world leader.
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim comes primarily from reputable polling organizations like Pew Research Center, which has a long history of tracking public opinion on global leaders. The surveys indicate a consistent trend of low confidence in Trump, particularly regarding his ability to handle international affairs. For instance, the Pew Research Center found that majorities in many countries expressed little confidence in Trump's ability to manage critical global issues.
However, it is important to note that perceptions of Trump vary significantly based on political ideology and regional context. For example, while many in Western Europe view Trump negatively, some populations in countries like Mexico and Indonesia have shown a more favorable view of him, particularly among right-wing populist supporters (ECFR). This suggests that while the general sentiment may lean towards viewing Trump unfavorably, there are notable exceptions that complicate the narrative.
The reliability of the sources used is high, given that they are derived from established research institutions and reputable news organizations. However, the interpretation of the data can vary, and some reports may emphasize different aspects of public opinion, leading to potential bias in how the information is presented.
Conclusion
The verdict on the claim that "a lot of people all around the world think Trump is not smart" is Partially True. While there is substantial evidence indicating that many people globally view Trump unfavorably and lack confidence in his leadership, the perception is not uniform across all demographics and regions. Some populations do hold a more favorable view of him, particularly among right-leaning groups. Therefore, the claim captures a significant portion of global sentiment but does not encompass the full spectrum of opinions.
Sources
- Comparing global views of the United States and China during the Trump and Biden administrations
- Donald Trump's approval rating
- US Image Declines in Many Nations Amid Low Confidence in Trump
- Global Perception of the U.S. Plummets Amid Trump's Second Term
- Global poll shows lack of trust in Donald Trump on world stage
- Alone in a Trumpian world: The EU and global public opinion after the US elections
- Global poll: World sees Trump as "dangerous," "arrogant" and "strong"
- U.S. Global Image