New poll: How do people in France view relationship with the US?
The study also asked about Ukraine’s President Zelensky, military aid, and joining NATO
Mr Macron met US President Donald Trump at the White House last week, in a meeting that was largely hailed as a success
Joshua Sukoff/Shutterstock
Almost two-thirds of people in France no longer consider the US to be an ally to France, and the majority were “shocked” by US President Trump’s altercation with Ukraine President Zelensky, shows a new poll.
The study, by research firm Institut Elabe for BFMTV*, was published this week, and aimed to gauge the views of people in France regarding the war in Ukraine and the developing situation between Mr Trump, Mr Zelensky, and other leading figures including French President Emmanuel Macron.
On the war in Ukraine, and the US
The poll showed:
73% of people in France believe that the US is no longer an ally of France
76% fear a spread of the military conflict beyond the Ukrainian borders
64% fear the conflict will reach French borders (although this figure has been stable since June 2024)
On Presidents Trump, Zelensky, and Putin
It also showed:
73% said they were “shocked” (including 39% who are “very shocked”) at the altercation between Mr Trump and Mr Zelensky at the White House on February 28
59% said Mr Trump was responsible for the altercation
8% blamed Mr Zelenksy
19% said both leaders were to blame
Regarding the leaders:
65% said they have a “good image” of Mr Zelensky (and 34% have a “bad image” of him)
86% have a bad image of Mr Putin
80% have a bad image of Mr Trump
On military aid
The poll also found:
20% want France to increase its military aid to Ukraine
44% want France to maintain its military aid at the same rate as currently
67% of respondents are in favour of sending troops to Ukraine after the war, after the signing of a peace agreement with Moscow to guarantee security and peace in Ukraine
68% say French troops should not be sent to Ukraine whilst war continues
18% believe that military aid to Ukraine should be reduced
17% that it should be stopped completely
Yet, 75% say they are not prepared to pay more taxes to fund this
And 43% say they are not prepared to pay at all
Unsurprisingly, wealthier respondents were more inclined to want to pay more taxes to help Ukraine (37%), in comparison to those with more limited resources (18%).
On NATO and the EU
When it comes to whether Ukraine should be able to join NATO or the EU, opinion is split.
40% are in favour of accession to NATO after the war and 30% now
29% are opposed, at any time
35% are in favour of Ukraine joining the European Union after the war, and 31% now
33% are opposed, at any time
Mr Trump has already ordered a pause on all US military aid to Ukraine, and has also ruled out - for his part - support for the idea of Ukraine joining NATO.
Negotiations and tensions
It comes after Mr Macron spoke to the nation in a televised address last night. Among the main points was that France must increase defence spending in the face of a growing threat from Russia - but this will not be funded by tax increases.
Read also: Macron’s TV address: Key points on defence, Russia, the US and nuclear capacity
Mr Macron said that he wants France to be a key player in defence of the continent, in light of the new US Trump administration, and Europe’s aims for peace in Ukraine.
He also stated: “I want to believe that the United States will remain on our side… but we need to be ready if that is not the case.”
“We [France] remain attached to NATO, but we need… to strengthen our independence in terms of security and defence,” he said. “The future of Europe should not be decided in Washington or Moscow.”
Mr Macron met US President Donald Trump at the White House last week, with newswire Reuters summarising that the meeting showed “stark differences in [the leaders’] approach to Ukraine”.
Yet, the meeting was hailed as a success overall, with Mr Macron reportedly charming the president. At the time, Mr Trump said: “President Macron is a very special man to me.” Mr Macron added that he and Mr Trump “are personal friends, because we work very well together”.
Read also: US media praises 'charmer' Macron over his meeting with Trump
*The poll was done online from March 3-4, 2025, on a sample of 1,009 people, representative of residents of mainland France aged 18 and over.
