Trump’s Popularity Surges in Italy, Stumbles in Denmark

As European sentiment toward Donald Trump varies significantly, recent polls highlight Italy as a notable pro-Trump hotspot, while Denmark’s disapproval remains stark. According to a YouGov poll, only 28% of Italians view the former US president positively, which, despite being modest, surpasses the approval ratings in other traditional US allies, including the United Kingdom at 22%, France at 18%, and Spain at 16%.

Italy’s favorable stance can be attributed in part to the relationship between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Their camaraderie is evident, and Meloni’s support may bolster Trump’s image in Italy. In contrast, Denmark’s approval rating for Trump has plummeted to just 6%, a reflection of deep-seated grievances, particularly following Trump’s controversial comments regarding Greenland.

Political Landscape Across Europe

The political landscape in Europe reveals a stark divide in attitudes toward Trump. In a broader analysis conducted by the European Council on Foreign Relations, Denmark ranked last with a mere 5% approval for Trump. Conversely, countries in Central and Eastern Europe show stronger support. Romania leads with 30%, followed by Hungary at 29% and Poland at 25%.

In these nations, there is a strong belief that a Trump presidency could benefit world peace, with Romania (41%), Hungary (33%), and Poland (23%) leading this sentiment. Further analysis indicates that far-right political parties in these countries are significant proponents of Trump. The ruling Fidesz party in Hungary has the highest approval, with 68% of its members viewing Trump positively, as reported by recent surveys. The Alliance for the Union of Romanians and Poland’s Law and Justice party follow closely, both at 51%. Another Polish party, the Confederation, sits at 39%, while Meloni’s Brothers of Italy stands at 31%.

European Discontent with US Relations

A recent poll conducted by the French geopolitical journal Le Grand Continent indicates that the divide among European nations extends beyond mere approval ratings. Countries like France and Spain perceive Trump as an “enemy,” while others, including Italy and Germany, hold milder views, often categorizing him as neither a friend nor an enemy. Notably, Poland stands out with 33% of respondents considering Trump a friend, the highest percentage recorded in the survey.

Despite these varied opinions, a common thread among Europeans is dissatisfaction with the European Union’s handling of relations with the United States. A staggering 77% expressed disappointment, with 52% feeling “humiliated” following the EU-US agreement that imposed 15% tariffs on many EU exports last summer. This sentiment underscores a growing concern regarding the EU’s diplomatic strategies and its capacity to manage transatlantic relations effectively.

As Trump’s influence appears to sway opinions across Europe, the contrasting views between nations reflect broader political dynamics and the ongoing impact of his presidency on international relations.