New poll reveals majority in the UK now consider the United States a “serious threat” to global security

LONDON — Six months into Donald Trump’s second term as U.S. President, a dramatic shift in public perception has taken root across the Atlantic. A new Ipsos MORI poll reveals that 54% of Britons now view the United States as a “serious threat” to international security — a figure that has more than doubled since Trump re-entered the White House in January 2025.

The poll, conducted earlier this month, marks a stunning reversal in attitudes toward the UK’s most prominent ally. While American presidents often provoke polarised views abroad, this level of distrust among a key NATO partner is unprecedented.

Fallout from Policy Decisions

British discontent appears closely tied to several controversial moves made during Trump’s initial months in office. Chief among them: a sharp reduction in U.S. support for NATO, the withdrawal from the Ukraine defense pact, and heightened trade tariffs against European allies — including the UK.

“We are witnessing an unraveling of trust,” said Fiona Douglas, senior fellow at Chatham House. “Trump’s America First agenda is now perceived in Britain as America Alone — and potentially dangerous.”

The administration’s withdrawal from climate and arms control agreements has also struck a nerve in Britain, a country where multilateralism and global governance are largely viewed as essential to long-term peace.

A Strain on the Special Relationship

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has attempted to preserve diplomatic ties, but behind closed doors, UK officials have reportedly expressed alarm at Washington’s unpredictability.

One anonymous diplomat described recent G7 meetings as “more fraught than functional,” with U.S. delegations demanding policy concessions and ignoring consensus. The result, according to analysts, is a growing belief among Britons that American leadership is no longer reliable — or stable.

Public Sentiment on the Rise

The poll also reveals a generational split: younger Britons under 35 are the most critical, with nearly 70% describing the U.S. as a destabilizing force. Older demographics are more divided, with many still supporting transatlantic ties, albeit cautiously.

“Britons have traditionally seen the U.S. as a partner in progress,” said political analyst Tom Belling. “But today’s data tells a different story — one of anxiety, disillusionment, and growing detachment.”

Implications for Defence and Diplomacy

Experts warn that the shift in public opinion could eventually pressure Downing Street to reconsider elements of its foreign policy, especially defense cooperation. The British Parliament is reportedly debating a proposal to delay joint weapons development with U.S. firms.

“This could fundamentally alter the way the UK navigates global alliances,” warned former Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt. “If Britain no longer trusts America, the very foundation of Western cohesion may begin to crack.”

Conclusion

While the White House maintains that transatlantic ties are “stronger than ever,” the view from London suggests otherwise. The U.S. may remain a superpower — but in the eyes of many Britons, it is increasingly becoming a threat to the world it once pledged to lead.