Spaniards View Donald Trump as a Greater Threat Than Vladimir Putin, New EL PAÍS Poll Finds
By Reflecto News Desk
April 6, 2026
A recent poll conducted for EL PAÍS reveals that a significant majority of Spaniards perceive U.S. President Donald Trump as a more serious threat to world peace than Russian President Vladimir Putin or Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
According to the survey:
- 63% of respondents described Trump as a “very high threat” to global stability.
- 52% viewed Putin as a “very high threat”.
- 46% saw Netanyahu in the same category.
Trump ranked as the single biggest perceived threat among the leaders assessed, with Putin coming in slightly lower.
President Donald Trump speaking (file image).
Context of the Poll
The findings reflect broader Spanish public opinion amid ongoing global tensions, including the U.S.-led military actions in the Middle East (notably against Iran under Operation Epic Fury), trade disputes, and shifting transatlantic relations. Spain, under the government of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has taken firm positions on several international issues, including criticism of certain U.S. policies and strong support for multilateral approaches.
Earlier related surveys (from 2025 and early 2026) have similarly shown high levels of concern among Spaniards regarding Trump’s influence on global peace, with some polls indicating that 70–80% see U.S. policies under his administration as posing risks to international stability. The latest EL PAÍS data highlights a clear hierarchy in public threat perception: Trump ahead of Putin and Netanyahu.
Why This Perception Matters
Spain is a key NATO member and maintains close historical and economic ties with both the United States and the European Union. However, public sentiment often diverges from official alliances, particularly on issues involving military interventions, trade tariffs, or unilateral foreign policy decisions.
Analysts note that factors contributing to this view may include:
- Trump’s aggressive tariff rhetoric and trade policies affecting European economies.
- U.S. actions in the Middle East, including strikes on Iranian infrastructure that have raised fears of wider regional escalation.
- Concerns over the future of transatlantic cooperation, NATO commitments, and support for Ukraine.
In contrast, while Putin’s role in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war is widely condemned in Spain, the poll suggests that many Spaniards currently see Trump’s unpredictable style and policy shifts as posing an even more immediate or unpredictable risk to global order.
Broader European Trends
Similar sentiments have appeared in other Western European polls, where majorities in countries like France, Germany, and the UK have expressed concerns about Trump’s impact on European security and peace. Spain appears to stand out with particularly strong views on Trump relative to traditional adversaries like Russia.
The poll underscores deep divisions in how different societies perceive global leadership in an era of heightened geopolitical competition.
Reflecto News will continue monitoring international public opinion surveys, U.S.-Europe relations, and reactions to this and future polls. For accurate coverage of global affairs, transatlantic relations, and public sentiment in Europe, bookmark Reflecto News and follow our dedicated international section.