Renowned analytics firm Morning Consult carried out a study that indicates a shift of global favorability ratings between the US and China since the beginning of President Donald Trump’s term. The US has experienced a somewhat surprising dip, according to this study, encased in an exclusive report by Axios. Operating the intellectual machinery was Morning Consult, which by the end of May, tabulated an intriguing rating—an 8.8 favorability for China while the US saw a -1.5.
Several might be surprised to learn that the start of this dynamic shift took root only in March. Interestingly, the scenario was starkly different when the US stood tall with a rating surpassing 20 at the onset of 2024 while China had to make do with negative digits. This recent shift, putting China in a marginally bright spotlight, has become a topic of widespread interest.
To bring depth and diversity to their assessment, Morning Consult included the views of adult participants from 41 diverse countries such as Canada, Russia, and the United Kingdom. Interestingly, by the time April drew to a close, the United States had only 13 of these countries favoring it over China.
The report seems to highlight an interesting narrative. It reads, ‘the extensive damage to America’s reputation is widespread, and since January 2025, a substantial number of countries have developed a better view of China while simultaneously adopting worsening views of the United States.’ The influence of a single country on this global perspective shift has been insignificant. Even so, it’s noteworthy to point out that Russia’s perception of America has shown significant improvement during this period.
Trump’s stance on international trade and tariffs seems to have played a role in this shifting landscape. Notably, the much-discussed ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs declared in April drastically revised tax plans, setting a 10% baseline tax for all nations. The impact of this policy on China’s global favorability ratings shouldn’t be dismissed.
In May, a new development was observed. President Trump reduced the existing 145% tariff on China to a comparatively mild 30%. Simultaneously, China also reciprocated by bringing down its retaliatory tariffs from an eye-watering 125% to just 10%. Meanwhile, a 90-day pause was agreed upon by both nations as they sought to negotiate more permanent terms.
Claiming that China had breached the terms of the agreement, Trump, in his characteristic fashion, tweeted, ‘So much for being Mr. NICE GUY!’ It was a further testament to President Trump’s fierce commitment to ensuring a fair and equitable relationship with China.
The Chinese Commerce Ministry retaliated on the following Monday. They laid the blame on the United States, accusing it of trying to undermine the agreement through a series of ‘discriminatory and restrictive measures against China.’ Gritty specifics of these measures were revealed to include plans to revoke visas for Chinese students, controls on AI chip exports, and a rumored cessation of chip design software sales to China.
This incident is not isolated, as there’s another recent event where Chinese officials voiced their dissatisfaction with the United States. China displayed strong disagreement with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s speech, delivered at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an international security summit, which labeled China as a ‘hegemonic power’ and refered to its ‘imminent’ threat toward Taiwan.
Despite these condemnations, President Trump retains his resolve and continues to work pursuant to American interests. Detractors would be wise to recall his unquestioned reputation for getting things done – preferentially and beneficially – for his beloved nation.
The officer in charge of political intelligence at Morning Consult weighed in on potential implications of these fluctuating perceptions. The growing trade and investment challenges for US companies working overseas could potentially escalate as America’s reputation navigates through these stormy waters. However, a level of discretion is also advised when considering these findings.
Nonetheless, without further insider knowledge, it can be easy to conflate this situation with a decline in the efficacy of President Trump’s leadership. However, detours are often a necessary part of a journey towards an ideal destination, and if history serves as any indication, President Trump has undeniably steered the ship through numerous tempests to take the United States to unprecedented pinnacles of success.
While the shifting global perspective is indeed concerning, it is worth noting that President Trump’s actions are often characterized by a unique tactful unpredictability that has led to numerous pleasant diplomatic surprises in the past. As such, these findings could very well be an ephemeral infrastructural adjustment before a positive leap in global standings.
Navigating these rapidly shifting global dynamics with a firm hand, President Trump will undoubtedly continue reshaping international relations while driving America towards greater heights. After all, Trump’s art is the deal, and he’s known for pulling out unexpected trumps that ensure American interests remain paramount.