Global approval of U.S. leadership has rebounded from the end of Trump's presidency

In what's sure to be welcome news for President Biden and his administration, global approval ratings of U.S. leadership have, six months into his tenure, "largely rebounded from the record-low ratings observed during the Trump administration," writes Gallup, according to a new report.
As of early August 2021, median approval of U.S. leadership reached 49 percent across 46 countries and territories — up 19 percent from the 30 percent median approval rating at the end of former President Donald Trump's administration, per Gallup. The 49 percent rating also matches that of former President Barack Obama's first year in office in 2009.
Important to note, however, is that while the median global approval "compares favorably" with ratings under Obama, the Biden administration's current 36 percent median disapproval rating is higher than any of those observed under the 44th president, notes Gallup. Nonetheless, disapproval under Biden is still "seven percentage points lower than the final disapproval rating under Trump -- a record-high 44%," writes Gallup.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
While Gallup notes the president's global approval ratings might change as time goes on — especially following the much-criticized U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan toward the end of August — "the substantial gains across so many countries halfway through 2021 make it unlikely that the final rating for Biden's first year in office could retreat to his predecessor's levels."
For 2020 ratings, Gallup surveyed nationally representative samples among adult populations in 108-109 countries throughout the year. Results have a margin of error of 1.1 to 5.5 percentage points. For 2021, ratings, Gallup surveyed nationally representative samples among adult populations in 46 countries and areas between April and August of 2021. Results have a margin of error of 2.8 to 5.0 percentage points. See more results at Gallup.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brigid Kennedy worked at The Week from 2021 to 2023 as a staff writer, junior editor and then story editor, with an interest in U.S. politics, the economy and the music industry.
-
Does depopulation threaten humanity?
Talking Points Falling birth rates could create a 'smaller, sadder, poorer future'
-
New White House guidance means federal employees could be hearing more religious talk at work
The Explainer Employees can now try to persuade co-workers of why their religion is 'correct'
-
Real-life couples creating real-deal sparks in the best movies to star IRL partners
The Week Recommends The chemistry between off-screen items can work wonders
-
Judge halts GOP defunding of Planned Parenthood
Speed Read The Trump administration can't withhold Medicaid funds from Planned Parenthood, said the ruling
-
Trump contradicts Israel, says 'starvation' in Gaza
Speed Read The president suggests Israel could be doing more to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians
-
The Pentagon's missing missiles
Feature The U.S. military is low on weapons. Can it restock before a major conflict breaks out?
-
Rescissions: Trump's push to control federal spending
Feature The GOP passed a bill to reduce funding for PBS, NPR and other public media stations
-
Knives come out for Pam Bondi
IN THE SPOTLIGHT She wasn't Trump's first pick to lead the Justice Department. After months of scandals and setbacks, is the attorney general's MAGA shelf life winding down?
-
Can Gaza aid drops work?
Today's Big Question UN's Palestinian refugee agency calls plan a 'distraction and smokescreen' as pressure mounts on Israel to agree ceasefire and fully open land crossings
-
'Spending is what card issuers are hoping you will do'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Trump executive order targets homeless
Speed Read It will now be easier for states and cities to remove homeless people from the streets