Eroding Trust: How Obama and Biden Years Fostered Global Distrust in the U.S.

Feb 23, 2026, 2:34 AM

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In recent years, the perception of the United States by its allies has significantly deteriorated, a change that can be traced back to the foreign policies and domestic challenges faced during the Obama and Biden administrations. This shift in trust raises concerns about the future of US alliances and its role on the global stage.

Throughout President Obama's tenure, the US took steps to engage with various nations, including a notable thaw in relations with Cuba. However, the subsequent election of Donald Trump led to a sharp reversal of many of those policies, creating instability in US-Cuba relations that prompted skepticism among allies about the US's reliability in international diplomacy.

Under Trump's administration, significant tariffs and aggressive rhetoric towards NATO allies strained relations with Canada and European nations, further heightening distrust. Surveys from 2025 indicated that Canadians felt increasingly uneasy about US leadership, reflecting a broader sentiment in Europe where many believed the American political system to be broken and unreliable.

President Biden's victory initially sparked hope among European nations for a restoration of US global leadership. Yet, many allies have since expressed doubt about America's ability to return to its former status as a reliable leader. A survey conducted across 11 European countries revealed that while over half the respondents viewed Biden's election positively, a significant portion remained skeptical about American voters' willingness to support stable leadership, fearing a potential return of populism.

The US's handling of crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with internal political polarization, has contributed to a perception that the US is unable to effectively manage domestic and international challenges. Many Europeans have begun to view their own political systems more favorably than that of the US, leading to calls for increased European autonomy in defense and security matters.

Furthermore, the Biden administration's approach to foreign policy has been characterized by a cautious re-engagement, yet it has not fully reassured allies about American commitment to international agreements and cooperative security frameworks. The lingering effects of Trump's presidency, including his transactional approach to alliances, have left European nations questioning the durability of US commitments.

In light of these developments, European nations are increasingly looking towards strengthening their own defense capabilities and forming alliances independent of US leadership. A majority of respondents in a recent survey expressed a desire for Europe to develop its own defense capacities rather than relying solely on the US for security.

The implications of this growing distrust are profound. As European countries seek to navigate a world where American leadership is no longer guaranteed, the geopolitical landscape is shifting. Many now advocate for a more neutral stance in potential US-China conflicts, suggesting a desire for autonomy in foreign policy decisions that were once heavily influenced by Washington.

In conclusion, the combined effects of the Obama and Biden years, marked by inconsistent policy and internal strife, have fostered an environment of distrust among US allies. As European nations reassess their security strategies and relationships, the long-term implications for US influence and global leadership remain uncertain. The challenge for the United States will be to rebuild trust and demonstrate reliability in an increasingly multipolar world.

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