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An overwhelming majority of American voters express a deep distrust of Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to a new poll, highlighting potential headwinds for U.S.-Russia relations under President Donald Trump's second term.
The Quinnipiac University Poll released Wednesday found that 81% of registered voters believe Putin should not be trusted, with only 9% viewing him as trustworthy.
The nationwide survey of 1,039 registered voters revealed a stark partisan divide, though majorities of both parties express skepticism toward the Russian leader.
Democratic voters show near-unanimous distrust, with 93% saying Putin cannot be trusted. While Republican voters display more variation in their views, a substantial 73% still express distrust of the Russian president.
The findings come as President Trump returns to the White House after a four-year hiatus, bringing renewed focus to U.S.-Russia relations. Trump's approach to Russia during his first term was characterized by warmer relations with Moscow, a pattern that appears set to continue.
American voters remain divided on Trump's handling of the Russia-Ukraine war, with 40% approving of his stance while 44% disapprove. The remaining 16% expressed no opinion on the matter.
The survey was conducted before Trump's recent comments suggesting Ukraine bore responsibility for the conflict's outbreak. Trump has consistently advocated for a swift resolution to the war and made campaign promises to end it upon taking office.
Such proposals have raised concerns among some foreign policy experts, who warn that a rushed peace deal could result in de facto Russian control over occupied territories in eastern Ukraine.
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