World struggles to trust America after midterm rejection of Trumpism

Americans sharply rejected President Donald Trump in the midterm elections, flipping both houses of Congress to Democratic control, yet global trust in the United States remains deeply shaken. Leaders and citizens worldwide doubt that one election can restore faith in American reliability. The vote followed Trump's tariff war, Iran conflict, and volatile foreign policy that strained economies and upended postwar order. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz noted Trump governed without Congress for two years, questioning why that would change. Many observers remain skeptical about policy reversals. For many, reversing tariffs is a key test of restoring trust, though Australian beef producer Hamish McIntyre doubts fundamental change. Indian IT worker Ambika worries immigration restrictions persist. As UK commentator Martin McSweeney wrote, past chances for change were lost to greed, leaving nervousness about America's future direction.