The reputation of the United States in Austria has suffered significantly since President Donald Trump took office a year ago, according to a survey. For 72.6 percent of Austrians, the image of the U.S. has worsened over the past year, according to a study published Wednesday by Marketagent for the Österreichisch-Amerikanische Gesellschaft (ÖAG). Only 9.6 percent have a positive view of the United States.
Sixty-eight percent of respondents cite President Trump as the reason for the deteriorating image. This is followed by immigration policy (ICE officers), tariffs (7.4 percent), and the perception that Trump is unpredictable or not trustworthy (6.5 percent). Respondents see little positive in Trump’s return to the White House. Around four-fifths believe this has negative consequences for the EU (85.9 percent), global politics (83.4 percent), Austria (80.7 percent), and the U.S. itself (79.9 percent).
“From Natural Partner to Stranger”
In light of the survey, the ÖAG said its mission of “building bridges between the countries” is more important than ever. “In difficult times, it is especially important to recognize and expand what we have in common,” emphasized ÖAG President Philipp Bodzenta and Secretary General Rainer Newald.
The U.S. has become “from a natural partner to a stranger,” former Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik (ÖVP) commented on the survey results at an ÖAG event on Tuesday evening. “We now have a different understanding of freedom,” she said, referring to the shift to the right in the U.S., including on the issue of abortion. She made the remarks during a discussion with Defense Ministry Secretary General Arnold Kammel and WKO U.S. expert Irene Lack-Hageneder.
Relationship Had Already Cooled Under Biden
Austrians’ relationship with the U.S. had already cooled significantly in recent years. Even under Trump’s predecessor Joe Biden, only around one-fifth of respondents viewed the U.S. positively. In the current survey, fewer than one in ten do so. Meanwhile, 55 percent have a rather negative view of the U.S., while 35.4 percent answered “mixed.”
However, the importance of the U.S. for the world, Europe, and Austria is still rated highly. Seventy-two percent consider the U.S. important for the global economy, 80 percent for culture, and 65.2 percent for music. Only 11 percent believe the U.S. makes a major contribution to combating the climate crisis.
Only 22.8 Percent View World Cup Positively
There is little enthusiasm regarding the United States (together with Canada and Mexico) hosting the men’s FIFA World Cup this summer. Just 22.8 percent view it positively, while 26.7 percent see it negatively. Respondents were also asked what they wish the U.S. for this year’s 250th anniversary of its Declaration of Independence from Great Britain: peace and de-escalation (20.3 percent), democracy and the rule of law (16.6 percent), and responsible leadership (15.8 percent) ranked as the top three wishes.
The survey was conducted online between January 28 and February 4 among 500 people aged 14 to 75. According to the organizers, the sample is representative of the Austrian population.
