By John Q. Hosedrinker 
A new Pew Research Center survey reveals that a majority of U.S. adults are not confident in former President Donald Trump’s ability to make wise decisions regarding the Russia-Ukraine war. The poll, conducted from August 4 to August 10, found that 59% expressed little to no confidence, while only 40% expressed at least some confidence. The survey also highlights partisan divides, with Democrats more likely to believe the U.S. has a responsibility to help Ukraine. These findings come ahead of a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, where a potential ceasefire in Ukraine and broader U.S.-Russia matters will be discussed.
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Over half of Americans don’t trust Trump on Russia-Ukraine war, and frankly, that’s probably an understatement. The sentiment seems to be widespread, with many expressing disbelief that anyone could possibly trust him on such a critical geopolitical issue. This isn’t just about a difference in political opinion; it’s about a fundamental lack of faith in his judgment and integrity, especially considering his long-standing relationship with Russia and his apparent affinity for Vladimir Putin.
The level of distrust is rooted in several key factors. First and foremost, there’s the perception, and in many cases, the outright belief, that Trump is in Putin’s pocket. This idea has been circulating for years, fueled by various connections and reported interactions. The evidence might not always be definitive, but the implication of Trump’s financial and personal links to Russia casts a long shadow over his ability to act in the best interests of the United States, and by extension, Ukraine. It’s hard to imagine trusting someone who may be perceived as beholden to a foreign adversary.
Then, there’s the undeniable fact that Trump has consistently praised Putin, even as the Russian leader engaged in aggressive actions. This has been a consistent pattern throughout his political career, and it has led many to question his understanding of the situation and his commitment to defending American interests. Why would anyone trust a leader who appears to sympathize with or even admire the aggressor in a conflict? It simply doesn’t make sense.
The historical context also adds to the problem. Trump’s business dealings with Russia, his alleged financial entanglements, and the scrutiny surrounding his campaign’s connections to Russia all contribute to the lack of trust. These issues predate the current conflict, creating a baseline of suspicion that makes it impossible for many Americans to trust him on anything related to Russia and Ukraine. It’s not a new phenomenon; it’s a well-established pattern.
Furthermore, there’s a deep concern about Trump’s competence and decision-making abilities. Many people don’t believe he possesses the knowledge, experience, or temperament required to navigate such a complex and sensitive international crisis. The idea of him being involved in “peace talks” is met with derision, considering how little he appears to care about the actual players in the war. His track record of making controversial statements and decisions, his questionable understanding of geopolitical realities, and his tendency to prioritize his own self-interests over national interests only serve to amplify these concerns.
The poll results, while seemingly significant, don’t capture the full depth of the distrust. The fact that even a significant percentage of Americans, perhaps close to half, still trust him is a stark reminder of the deep divisions within the country. This raises the question of why so many people would trust him despite all the red flags. It might be due to their loyalty to Trump, their ideological alignment with his views, or a shared distrust of the media that reports on his connections to Russia.
The irony is that some of the most outspoken critics of Trump may believe that any poll is flawed, as they are prone to say that they don’t trust polls in general. The criticism sometimes goes to the point that it is believed the polls are manipulated. The results of any poll are not always easily accepted. But, for the people who dislike Trump, it’s not a surprise, but rather, is a confirmation of the obvious. The most troubling aspect of the data from these polls is the consistency of the outcome.
Finally, there’s the sheer gravity of the situation. The Russia-Ukraine war is not a minor issue. It has far-reaching consequences for global security, human rights, and the international order. Given the high stakes, the stakes are so high that trusting a person with Trump’s background with making any decisions about the war seems unfathomable to a majority of Americans. It is a matter of national security and global stability, and it is seen that this person does not have the capacity to handle it appropriately.
In short, the poll finding is not just about a lack of trust; it’s about a lack of confidence in his ability to act in the best interests of the United States and the world. It is a vote of no-confidence in his judgment, integrity, and his vision for how the war in Ukraine should unfold. Many Americans are more than a bit wary of what he might be secretly doing with Putin. They are very worried that the “deal” Trump is seeking is just another one of his own self-enriching schemes.