Despite a decline in popularity at home due to rising living costs and controversial immigration policies, former U.S. President Donald Trump has been named the most influential figure in Europe, according to an annual ranking by Politico Europe, compiled in collaboration with the research institute Public First.
The survey, which included over 10,000 respondents from the U.S., Canada, and the three largest European economies—Germany, France, and the United Kingdom—reveals a striking perception: many Europeans view Trump as more decisive than their own leaders. The results underscore a growing sense of European vulnerability, with the continent seen as increasingly influenced by external actors rather than asserting its own strategic autonomy.
“Europe is more exposed to the agendas of others than it is capable of shaping global outcomes,” Politico noted, highlighting the paradox of a non-European figure being considered the most powerful in European politics.
European Leaders in the Ranking
Among Europeans, the most influential leader is Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, a social democrat with right-leaning policies on migration, ranking second overall. Her positions on asylum restrictions and accelerated returns echo those of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who ranks ninth, ahead of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Germany’s Friedrich Merz, ranked third, is recognized for challenging postwar taboos and spearheading the country’s rearmament and military transformation, positioning Germany as a self-reliant European security power.
France’s far-right leader Marine Le Pen ranks fourth, despite legal challenges that could bar her from the next presidential election. By contrast, incumbent President Emmanuel Macron is placed 19th, reflecting perceived shortcomings in navigating U.S. influence, particularly Trump’s unpredictable leadership.
Other notable placements include Volodymyr Zelensky at 14th and Vladimir Putin at fifth, offering a snapshot of the power dynamics and perceived influence across the continent.
Implications and Criticism
The poll highlights a critical European dilemma: even in the absence of formal authority, external leaders can exert substantial influence on European decision-making. Critics argue that this underscores Europe’s strategic weaknesses in defense, diplomacy, and independent policymaking.
As Trump tops the list, questions arise about Europe’s capacity to assert itself amid growing geopolitical uncertainty, particularly regarding security threats from Russia and reliance on transatlantic partners.
