Introduction

The world is watching the United States with a mixture of disbelief and concern. Recently, I reached out to individuals outside of the U.S. to gather their candid opinions about Donald Trump, the recent election, and the current state of American politics. Here’s a collection of poignant insights from 27 non-Americans that reveal how the global community views the U.S. and its choices.

Responses from Around the World

1. A stunned Dutch citizen remarked, “With everything happening in the U.S., I find myself grateful for our government back home.”

2. A Canadian expressed alarm: “America has always set the tone globally, and as a woman, I fear that your decisions impacting reproductive rights might influence policies here too.”

3. A shocked observer from Belgium stated, “It’s hard to believe that Americans would prefer a convicted criminal over a qualified candidate, especially when many of them seem completely unaware of his past.”

4. Another Dutch commentator lamented, "The post-election chatter in the U.S. is frustrating. People aren’t recognizing the real issue: the lack of awareness within the electorate. Too many are simply not informed."

5. Reflecting on Trump’s reputation, a Canadian voiced, “It’s astonishing and embarrassing that he could represent America internationally. The global perception of Trump is overwhelmingly negative—he’s seen as a joke.”

6. A French colleague noted over coffee, “It feels surreal watching the U.S. political scene unravel, like a scripted reality show gone wrong. It’s disheartening to see how women’s rights are being disregarded.”

7. A Welshman who lived in America shared, “Despite my love for the U.S., I witnessed the growing divide and anger among its people. Many struggle to make ends meet, and the healthcare system is a nightmare.”

8. A Brit living in Scandinavia stated, “Most of my Scandinavian friends are shocked by the U.S. voting patterns, especially regarding gender issues. We’ve enjoyed equality for so long, and we can’t fathom the current state of American rights.”

9. From France, another voice chimed in on the absurdity of Trump’s behavior during his campaign: “I just cannot comprehend how so many Americans can look past his blatant racism and misogyny.”

10. A 62-year-old woman was especially baffled, saying, “I can’t understand how any woman could support Trump, given his track record with women.”

11. A Belgian expressed disgust over the U.S. political landscape: "How can someone who openly disrespects women and minorities even be a candidate? It's sickening."

12. An American expatriate in Scandinavia added, “It’s worrying that the U.S. is seen as an oligarchy. What does this mean for global power dynamics?”

13. An observer from Canada summed it up beautifully, “America is a stunning country with great potential, but lately, it feels like its values have been increasingly compromised.”

14. A Canadian voiced hope that America could recover from its current trajectory, stating, “We’ve all seen the beauty of American culture; let’s hope it finds a way to thrive again!”

15. A Belgian reported their disbelief at Trump escaping accountability for actions observed during his presidency, stating, “It feels like a nightmare watching someone evade responsibility while others suffer.”

16. A Scandinavian shared concerns about potential threats from global powers, “With Trump at the helm, I worry about our safety, especially given his ‘friendship’ with Putin.”

17. Many felt that American politics resemble a popularity contest rather than a serious democratic process, with one remarking, "It seems like many voters don't recognize the stakes of their choices."

18. A Canadian offered a unique perspective, saying, “The future of global stability feels precarious with the current American administration. I can’t help but feel we’re all in this together.”

19. An American living abroad expressed hope for change: “Maybe this chaotic political era is the wake-up call the U.S. needs.”

20. As citizens from different nations debated, one poignant comment encapsulated the feeling: “Watching America is like slowing down to gawk at a car crash—you can’t help but look, even as you shake your head.”

Conclusion

The consensus is clear: the international community is perplexed, distressed, and in some cases, embarrassed by the current state of U.S. politics. Many express a blend of hope and concern for the future, reminding us that the implications of American choices extend far beyond its borders. As non-Americans weigh in, it’s crucial for American voters to truly reflect on the impact of their electoral decisions. The world is watching—what will happen next?