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The poll highlights a strong rejection of the US president, with 51% of Europeans considering him an "enemy" of Europe, compared to just 9% who see him as a "friend".
US President Donald Trump has been in power for just two months, but he has already reshaped European attitudes. And it's not just political leaders trying to build a more independent defense for the continent. His influence is also evident in public opinion, as a new poll conducted in nine European Union countries shows.
This study by the Cluster17 Institute for the online magazine Le Grand Continent reveals a strong consensus on European defense. A total of 70% of Europeans believe that the EU should rely solely on its own forces for security, while only 10% think it can rely 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% support 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 is not even on the table in the government's plans.
European leaders will feel validated in their push for stronger defense efforts since Trump took office, as well as in commitments made just this week to strengthen European defense. Brussels' latest proposal to buy exclusively European-made weapons also received overwhelming support, with 71% approval.
Similarly, Europeans are largely in favor of expanding France’s nuclear umbrella to cover the entire continent, with an average support of 61%. 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 do not directly affect their borders.
-The Trump and Musk effect.
This strong support has 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 close to this threshold, but only 19% in Italy.
These results are largely due to the "Trump effect", but also to the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine three years ago and fears of a conflict on European soil. The survey highlights a strong rejection of the US president, with 51% of Europeans considering him an "enemy" of Europe, compared to just 9% who see him as a "friend".
-Europe is built in times of crisis
Only in Romania and Poland does Donald Trump have some support, although he remains a minority. The rejection is even more pronounced for Elon Musk, with the majority in favor of boycotting Tesla cars.
This study shows once again that Europe was built in times of crisis, caused by a shock, in this case, two shocks: first Vladimir Putin and now Trump. The survey shows that public opinion is mobilized, but it also reflects a deep distrust of political leaders. The pressure is now on them: to face the challenge of a historic moment. / Adapted from “Pamphlet” by “WorldCrunch”
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