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 Perceptions of Recent U.S. Presidents and Presidential Candidates
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
Donald Trump (2017-2021)
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%.
Hillary Clinton (2016)
In the 2016 election, German support was overwhelmingly in favor of Clinton, with 75% saying they would vote for her if given the chance. Germans viewed Clinton as experienced, internationally aware, and aligned with European values. Her defeat brought about widespread concern, as Germans feared that U.S.-Germany relations would worsen under Trump, which largely proved true.
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 is 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.
Kamala Harris (2024)
As Biden’s Vice President and a prominent Democratic figure, Kamala Harris was often seen more favorably than Biden himself. In a poll, about 77% of Germans supported Harris over Trump, and she remained popular among those who saw her as a progressive and fresh voice. Her potential as a future presidential candidate was viewed positively, as Germans appreciated her diverse background and commitment to equality.
Donald Trump (2025 Onwards)
Trump’s 2024 victory marks a highly unusual political return for a former president who faced numerous controversies during his first term. Germans, who value stability and accountability, are largely shocked by his comeback, especially given his polarizing record. Trump's legal challenges, accusations of sexual misconduct, and highly publicized behavior would likely disqualify a German politician from public office, as German leaders have resigned for far lesser infractions, such as plagiarism. In Germany, ethical missteps are career-ending for public officials, and Germans view respectability in leadership as fundamental.
Germans also fear that Trump cozies up too much to dictators, especially Putin, and are deeply concerned about his lack of support for Ukraine and the signal that could send, potentially emboldening Putin to act more aggressively.
In 2024, only about 9% of Germans supported Trump as a candidate, though he garnered some backing among the far-right AfD (Alternative for Germany) supporters. His ongoing popularity among Americans, despite his controversial record, remains a mystery to many Germans, who see it as highlighting deep divides in U.S. society that could affect its democratic values. With Trump’s return, many Germans expect a more insular “America First” approach, potentially straining U.S.-Europe relations and heightening concerns about global cooperation on critical issues like climate change and security.
A protest sign saying "Climate Denier"
German Outlook Moving Forward
The prospect of another Trump administration raises new questions for the transatlantic alliance. Germans are wary of how Trump’s policies might affect issues critical to Europe, such as climate policy, defense cooperation, and trade. German leaders and citizens alike may brace for another shift toward unilateral U.S. policies, a position that often conflicts with the German commitment to multilateralism and shared problem-solving.
Ultimately, Germans recognize the U.S. as a major ally, but Trump’s return represents a new period of caution and skepticism. With America’s political landscape becoming increasingly polarized, Germans continue to wonder how these dynamics will impact not only their relationship with the U.S. but also the stability of the global order.
A Changing Perspective Based on Leadership
German perspectives on America fluctuate based on who leads and how they engage with global issues. With every shift in U.S. leadership, Germany recalibrates its view, and the transatlantic relationship adapts. While Germans admire certain aspects of American resilience and innovation, they remain deeply cautious and critical of policies that stray too far from shared values of respect, ethical behavior, and international cooperation.
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