For many decades, Germans trusted the United States as a reliable security partner. That confidence has changed dramatically.
According to a 2026 survey by the Bundeswehr's Centre for Military History and Social Sciences, trust in America has fallen by 28 points. Today, only about 37 percent of Germans believe the US is dependable. This drop began after Donald Trump returned to power.
Dr. Timo Graf, who led the research, tracks how Germans feel about security and their country's role in the world. His annual surveys show important shifts in public opinion.
As confidence in Washington has declined, something else has grown. Support for higher defence spending has reached record levels. Germans also want a stronger military and a larger leadership role in NATO and the European Union.
This change is historically significant. After World War Two, Germans were cautious about military power. Now, public support for a bigger military is at its highest ever.
However, the survey shows that Germans do not want to abandon America completely. About 46 percent support keeping US nuclear weapons in Germany, and this support is increasing. Germans still value practical security benefits from the American alliance.
What has truly changed is trust. Germans no longer fully believe America can be relied upon. Instead of depending on Washington, they increasingly want Germany to be more independent and self-reliant. This represents a fundamental shift in how Germans see their country's future.