Global trust in America remains fractured after US midterm elections

The US midterm elections delivered a sharp rebuke to President Donald Trump, with Democrats gaining control of both houses of Congress, yet global trust in America remains deeply fractured. International observers warn that one election alone cannot restore faith in the nation's reliability. Interviews conducted by the Associated Press worldwide reveal persistent skepticism about the US's future direction, citing Trump's tariff wars, immigration crackdowns, and foreign policy actions as ongoing sources of concern. Many leaders and citizens say they need to see concrete policy changes, not just electoral shifts, to rebuild confidence. Key tests include whether Democrats can reverse Trump's tariffs and whether he will accept such changes. Business leaders and aspiring immigrants remain cautious, with many noting that America's political system allows for dramatic swings that undermine predictability and long-term trust.