As geopolitical tensions simmer in 2026, a fresh opinion poll from Germany paints a stark picture of eroding trust in US leadership under President Donald Trump. With NATO’s unity hanging by a thread, an overwhelming majority of Germans view Trump’s aggressive foreign policies as a direct peril to the alliance’s survival. This sentiment, fueled by controversial US moves in Greenland and Venezuela, underscores a growing divide between Europe and America—one that could reshape global alliances for years to come.
Overwhelming Distrust: 78% of Germans Fear Trump Could Dismantle NATO
The poll’s headline figure is impossible to ignore: A whopping 78% of respondents believe Trump’s policies endanger the future of NATO, the cornerstone of Western defense since 1949. Only 18% disagree, with the remainder undecided. This isn’t just a blip—it’s a seismic shift in public perception, reflecting deep-seated anxieties over Trump’s “America First” doctrine clashing with multilateral commitments.
At the heart of these concerns is Trump’s unrelenting pursuit of control over Greenland, a strategically vital Arctic territory belonging to Denmark, a fellow NATO ally. Trump has openly floated the idea of US annexation, even refusing to rule out military force. For Germans, this evokes fears of intra-alliance aggression: How can NATO thrive if one member eyes another’s land? The poll captures this unease, positioning Trump’s Greenland ambitions as a flashpoint that could fracture the pact’s mutual defense principles.
Compounding this is the recent US military operation in Venezuela on January 3, 2026. American forces bombed key sites in Caracas and executed a daring extraction of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, spiriting him out of the country. Trump justified the action as essential for securing Venezuela’s massive oil reserves, framing it as a national security imperative. Yet, for many in Germany, this smacks of resource-driven imperialism, violating international norms and echoing historical power grabs.
EU Must Stand Firm: 69% Demand Opposition to Trump’s “Aggression for Resources”
Germans aren’t just worried—they’re calling for action. A solid 69% of poll participants urge the European Union to actively oppose Trump’s military interventions abroad when they breach international law to seize economic assets. This includes scenarios like the Venezuela raid, where oil was cited as a primary motive.
In contrast, 22% prefer the EU to remain neutral, avoiding entanglement in US affairs, while a mere 5% advocate for Brussels to support American actions. These numbers highlight a clear mandate for EU leaders to push back, potentially through sanctions, diplomatic protests, or strengthened independent defense initiatives.
This sentiment aligns with broader European frustrations. Germany’s role as NATO’s economic powerhouse means its public opinion often influences bloc-wide policy. If the EU heeds this call, we could see heightened transatlantic friction, including trade disputes or reduced cooperation on shared threats like climate change in the Arctic or energy security.
Split Opinions on Iran: A Potential Powder Keg for Further Division
The poll also probes attitudes toward a hypothetical US military intervention in Iran, where massive protests against the authoritarian regime have raged since late 2025. Here, German views are evenly split: 37% would welcome US action to support demonstrators, viewing it as a humanitarian push against oppression. An equal 37% oppose it, likely fearing escalation into a wider Middle East conflict that could draw in NATO forces. Another 13% express indifference, perhaps weary of endless foreign entanglements.
This division reflects the complexity of Trump’s foreign policy appeal. While his hardline stance resonates with some who see Iran as a regional destabilizer, others recall past US-led interventions (like Iraq) that led to prolonged instability. For NATO, an unauthorized US move in Iran could test Article 5 commitments, forcing allies like Germany to choose sides in an unwanted war.
Behind the Numbers:
Conducted by independent research firm Forschungsgruppe Wahlen, the survey sampled 1,245 Germans, providing a representative snapshot of national sentiment. Released on January 17, 2026, it comes at a pivotal moment, just weeks after the Venezuela operation and amid ongoing Greenland rhetoric.
These findings aren’t isolated. They echo similar polls across Europe, where Trump’s isolationist yet interventionist approach has eroded confidence. For instance, his tariff threats against NATO allies opposing Greenland control have only amplified fears of economic coercion blending with military might.
What This Means for Global Stability
This German poll isn’t just data—it’s a warning siren for NATO’s fragility. With 78% seeing Trump as a threat, European nations may accelerate efforts toward strategic autonomy, investing more in their own defenses and reducing reliance on US leadership. This could manifest in boosted EU military spending, closer ties with non-NATO partners, or even debates over alliance reform.
For Trump, the results signal a PR challenge: Winning back European hearts and minds will require diplomacy over dominance. Yet, as protests in Iran intensify and Arctic resources grow scarcer due to climate change, the pressure points multiply.
