Fact Check: "People around the World don't think Trump is very smart"
What We Know
Recent surveys indicate that global perceptions of former President Donald Trump are largely negative. According to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in 2025, more than half of respondents in 19 out of 24 countries expressed a lack of confidence in Trump's leadership on the world stage. This sentiment reflects a broader trend during his presidency, where international approval of U.S. leadership fell to historic lows, particularly during the Trump administration. For instance, confidence in Trump was reported to be only 22% among respondents across 34 countries in 2017, which was comparable to the 28% confidence in Chinese President Xi Jinping at that time (Brookings).
Furthermore, a recent poll highlighted that many people describe Trump as "arrogant" and "dangerous," with a significant percentage expressing doubts about his ability to handle international affairs. In Mexico, for example, 91% of respondents indicated they had no confidence in Trump's ability to do the right thing in global matters (Axios). This negative perception is consistent across various demographics and regions, suggesting a widespread belief that Trump is not perceived as a competent leader.
Analysis
The evidence presented from multiple reputable sources indicates a clear trend: global views of Donald Trump are predominantly unfavorable. The Pew Research Center has been tracking public opinion regarding U.S. presidents for over two decades, providing a reliable basis for understanding international sentiment. Their findings show that Trump's ratings have consistently been lower than those of his predecessors, particularly among traditional U.S. allies.
Moreover, the Brookings Institution notes that Trump's policies, such as withdrawing from international agreements and implementing restrictive immigration policies, contributed to a decline in the U.S.'s global standing. This decline was particularly pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic, where dissatisfaction with the U.S. response further eroded confidence in Trump's leadership (AP News).
While some surveys indicate that a segment of the population views Trump as a strong leader, this perception does not equate to a belief in his intelligence or capability. The dichotomy of being seen as a "strong leader" yet "untrustworthy" (The Hill) illustrates a complex relationship where some may admire his assertiveness but simultaneously question his judgment and decision-making skills.
Conclusion
The claim that "people around the world don't think Trump is very smart" is supported by substantial evidence from multiple surveys indicating a lack of confidence in his leadership and a general perception of him as "arrogant" and "dangerous." Given the widespread negative ratings and the specific descriptors used by respondents, the verdict is True.
Sources
- Comparing global views of the United States and China ...
- Donald Trump's approval rating
- Global views of China and Xi up, US and Trump down | AP News
- US Image Declines in Many Nations Amid Low Confidence ...
- Global poll: World sees Trump as "dangerous," "arrogant" and ...
- Trump seen globally as strong leader, but untrustworthy: Poll
- Most say Trump policies haven't helped them: Survey
- U.S. Favorability Worsens Under Trump Ahead of the G7
