What Do Germans Really Think About U.S. Politics?
Updated: Jul 27
On my private tours across Berlin, politics inevitably comes up—whether we’re discussing the rise of the Nazis, the history of Communist East Germany, the government district, or iconic visits by U.S. presidents. My philosophy is to keep current politics out of the conversation unless my guests bring it up. One question that frequently arises, however, is, “What do Germans think of U.S. politics?”—and quite often, this means “What do Germans think of Trump?” Well, here’s the answer - and I'm basing this not on my own assumptions but on nationwide reports and polls:
German Views on the U.S. and its Politics: A Complex Relationship
The German-American relationship has always been significant, shaped by shared interests in trade, defense, and democratic values. Most Germans have a generally favorable view of the U.S., appreciating its innovations, cultural exports, and long-standing military support, with about 77% describing the relationship as good. We watch your movies and TV shows, listen to your music, eat your food and love your (pop) culture.
However, how Germans feel about America often depends on who occupies the White House and the tone of American policies, both domestic and international.
The view is often nuanced. Germans see Americans as open, innovative, and deeply patriotic. At the same time, they sometimes feel that the U.S. overextends its influence globally, often leading to policies Germans might find reckless or morally ambiguous. This combination of admiration and criticism reflects the German public’s thoughtful, cautious stance toward a superpower that has been both an ally and an occasional irritant.
The U.S. Electoral System: A Source of Confusion and Critique
Germans are often puzzled—and sometimes frustrated—by the U.S. electoral system. The concept of the Electoral College, where a candidate can win the popular vote but still lose the presidency, feels inherently undemocratic to many in Germany. In the U.S., elections are heavily influenced by private campaign donations and political action committees (PACs), a system alien to Germans, who see it as skewing politics toward the wealthy and corporate interests.
The divisive two-party system and the lengthy election cycles also contrast sharply with the German model, where multiple parties provide broader representation, and campaign finance is more regulated. Many Germans view the U.S. system as overly complex and in need of reform, particularly to reduce polarization and ensure greater equity in voting.
German Politics Is a Lot More Liberal Than America’s
To understand how Germans view U.S. politics, it helps to compare the ideologies of Germany’s major parties to their potential counterparts in the U.S. Starting on the left, Die Linke advocates democratic socialism and would be considered far too socialist for the U.S., as there is no equivalent in American politics. The Green Party, sometimes part of Germany’s federal government, is more progressive than U.S. Democrats, especially on climate and social issues. The Social Democrats (SPD), Germany’s center-left party, often governs and aligns ideologically with figures like Bernie Sanders or Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as it supports stronger social safety nets and progressive policies.
On the conservative side, the CDU/CSU, Germany’s center-right party (think Angela Merkel!), resembles moderate Republicans or conservative Democrats, such as Hillary Clinton, with its emphasis on a “social market economy.” The FDP, advocating minimal government intervention and progressive social policies, shares some similarities with U.S. libertarians. Finally, the AfD is Germany’s far-right party, closely aligned with the MAGA movement and today’s Republican Party in terms of nationalism and anti-immigration stances. The AfD is monitored for unconstitutional (racist and antidemocratic) tendencies, which makes Trump’s support for and from the far-right in Germany particularly troubling for many Germans. This spectrum shows why Trump’s politics are often perceived as extreme in Germany’s more liberal political context.
German Perceptions of Recent U.S. Presidents and Presidential Candidates
What do Germans think of Ronald Reagan (1981-1989)
Ronald Reagan's presidency is remembered as a time of both admiration and tension in Germany. Reagan was known for his hardline stance against the Soviet Union, famously calling it the "evil empire" and playing a central role in ending the Cold War. His call to “tear down this wall” during his 1987 Berlin speech resonated strongly, especially in West Germany, which saw him as a symbol of support for German reunification and a bulwark against communism. However, not all Germans supported Reagan’s aggressive anti-Soviet policies, particularly his military buildup and the deployment of U.S. Pershing II missiles in West Germany, which led to mass protests and strong anti-nuclear sentiment. This period witnessed a complex mix of admiration for his leadership and opposition to his defense policies, especially among left-leaning Germans and peace activists.
Overall, Reagan was seen favorably by a significant portion of West Germans but was also polarizing, with younger generations and those on the political left viewing him more critically.
What do Germans think of George H.W. Bush (1989-1993)
George H.W. Bush was highly respected in Germany, particularly for his role in German reunification. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, Bush supported a united Germany within NATO, a stance that played a significant part in enabling the reunification process to proceed smoothly. His prudent and diplomatic approach to foreign policy, coupled with his cautious but supportive stance during the reunification, earned him widespread respect in both East and West Germany. His support for European stability and close collaboration with German Chancellor Helmut Kohl were particularly valued.
What do Germans think of Bill Clinton (1993-2001)
Bill Clinton was very popular in Germany, especially in the early years of his presidency. His dynamic personality and progressive policies resonated well with Germans, who were drawn to his focus on economic growth and his charm. Clinton’s emphasis on transatlantic cooperation and multilateralism aligned well with German values, and his image as a modern, relatable leader helped make him especially popular among younger Germans. However, Clinton’s popularity took a hit in Germany during his second term due to the Monica Lewinsky scandal.
Germans, like many Europeans, generally hold their leaders to a high moral standard and expect them to maintain a strong sense of dignity in office.
This scandal led to some disappointment, but overall, Clinton’s policies and leadership style kept him popular, especially compared to his successor, George W. Bush.
What do Germans think of George W. Bush (2001-2009)
During Bush’s presidency, especially around the Iraq War, German support plummeted. Only about 14% of Germans trusted him in world affairs by his final year, viewing his foreign policy as aggressive and unilateral. While Germans appreciated his response to 9/11 and shared concerns about terrorism, they largely disapproved of his approach in the Middle East. Bush’s popularity was lower in Germany than in other European countries, as Germans felt his decisions endangered international stability. There were large-scale protests across Germany against the Iraq War, and widespread outrage when Bush dismissed Germany as part of "Old Europe."
What do Germans think of Barack Obama (2009-2017)
Obama’s presidency brought a significant upswing in German-American relations, with his approval rating in Germany reaching as high as 88%. More than 90% of Germans would have voted for him had they have the choice. Germans admired his diplomacy, charisma, and progressive stance on issues like healthcare. However, the NSA scandal in 2013, revealing that the U.S. had been spying on allies (including German Chancellor Angela Merkel), damaged this trust. Still, Obama’s support remained relatively high as Germans valued his multilateral approach and ethical stance on most issues.
Obama remains one of the most popular politicians in Germany, especially in contrast to his deeply unpopular predecessor and successor.
What do Germans think of Donald Trump (2017-2021)
In the 2016 election, German support was overwhelmingly in favor of Clinton, with 75% saying they would vote for her if given the chance. Trump’s presidency baffled—and often alarmed—many Germans. His “America First” policies and isolationist stance were at odds with the international cooperation Germany values. More strikingly, Trump’s behavior and statements shocked German observers. In Germany, top politicians have resigned for less: accusations of plagiarism or minor ethical breaches have ended careers, as maintaining public trust is paramount.
Trump’s divisive rhetoric, mocking of disabled individuals, and praise for controversial figures were seen as unbecoming of a world leader, and his numerous legal issues and accusations would have disqualified most German politicians from public office long before they gained popularity.
Trump’s significant support base in the U.S. is both baffling and unsettling to many Germans, who struggle to understand his enduring appeal despite his controversial track record. His approval remains low in Germany at around 10%.
What do Germans think of Joe Biden (2021-2025)
With Biden’s election, there was a sense of relief in Germany. Biden’s commitment to repairing alliances, re-entering the Paris Agreement, and strengthening NATO were seen as positive steps toward more stable relations. However, Biden’s popularity was mixed; while he’s favored over Trump, only about 28% of Germans viewed him as a convincing leader. Many Germans found his age a concern and questioned whether he could enact the change they hoped he would bring.
Joe Biden's steadfast commitment to NATO and support for Ukraine were much appreciated, however.
What do Germans think of Donald Trump today?
Donald Trump has long been one of the most unpopular American politicians in Germany. During the 2024 U.S. presidential election, German public opinion overwhelmingly favored Kamala Harris over Trump, and his return to the White House in January 2025 did little to improve his image. Recent surveys continue to show that only a small minority of Germans approve of Trump's leadership, while large majorities view his presidency with concern.
Many Germans struggle to understand how Trump remained politically successful despite multiple criminal and civil court cases.
Trump's foreign policy is another major source of concern. His criticism of NATO, pressure on European allies to increase defense spending, and periods of uncertainty regarding continued U.S. support for Ukraine have reinforced fears that America may become a less reliable security partner. Given Germany's close ties to NATO and its strong backing of Ukraine following Russia's invasion, many Germans worry that a weaker American commitment could embolden Vladimir Putin and undermine European security.
Support for Trump is strongest among voters of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), while voters of mainstream German parties overwhelmingly hold negative views of him. This political alignment has attracted considerable attention in Germany and has further fueled debates about the rise of populism and nationalism on both sides of the Atlantic.
Some Germans also see elements of Trump's rhetoric—particularly his attacks on political opponents, the media, and democratic institutions—as echoing patterns associated with authoritarian politics. While comparisons with Germany's past are controversial and should be made cautiously, concerns about democratic backsliding and increasing political polarization in the United States are widespread.
Trump's "America First" agenda, including his use of tariffs and his more transactional approach to international alliances, is generally unpopular in Germany. Many Germans worry that these policies weaken international cooperation at a time when countries face shared challenges such as climate change, global security, and economic stability.
A protest sign saying "Climate Denier"
German Outlook Moving Forward
Since Donald Trump returned to office, many Germans have become even more cautious about the future of the transatlantic relationship. Surveys suggest declining confidence in the United States as a reliable partner, particularly regarding NATO, Ukraine, climate policy, and international trade. At the same time, Trump's presidency has accelerated discussions in Germany about strengthening Europe's own defense capabilities and becoming less dependent on American leadership.
Despite these concerns, Germans continue to view the United States as one of their country's most important allies. Economic ties remain strong, and cooperation on intelligence, security, science, and business continues to be essential. However, many Germans now believe that Europe should be better prepared to act independently if American foreign policy becomes less predictable.
A Changing Perspective Based on Leadership
German perceptions of the United States have always been influenced by who occupies the White House. While many Germans continue to admire American innovation, entrepreneurship, universities, popular culture, and technological leadership, confidence in U.S. political leadership has fluctuated significantly in recent years.
The United States remains Germany's closest non-European partner, but Trump's second presidency has reinforced a more cautious and pragmatic outlook. For many Germans, the transatlantic relationship remains indispensable—but it is no longer taken for granted. As global politics become increasingly uncertain, Germany is seeking to balance its close partnership with the United States while taking greater responsibility for its own security and its role within Europe.
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