Poll Shows Americans Concerned About Trump's Military Actions
A recent opinion poll reveals that more than half of American adults think President Donald Trump has crossed a line with his military interventions in other countries. The survey highlights growing public unease about Washington's recent operation in Venezuela.
Majority Disapprove of Foreign Policy Approach
The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research conducted this poll between January 8 and 11. It found that 56 percent of U.S. adults believe Trump has "gone too far" when it comes to using military force abroad. Researchers carried out the survey after Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was captured in a U.S. operation called Absolute Resolve.
Most respondents also expressed disapproval of how Trump handles foreign policy overall. About 57 percent said they disapprove of his handling of the Venezuela situation specifically. Meanwhile, 61 percent reported dissatisfaction with his broader foreign policy approach. These figures align closely with his overall job approval ratings during his second term.
Mixed Views on Venezuela Operation
Public opinion about the Venezuela intervention shows some division. According to the AP-NORC poll, around half of Americans believe U.S. action will be "mostly a good thing" for reducing illegal drug flows into the country. Approximately 44 percent feel it will benefit the Venezuelan people, who lived under Maduro's rule for over a decade.
Opinions split more evenly on whether the operation will help U.S. national security or boost the American economy. These findings contrast with Trump's recent assertive foreign policy posture, which has included several controversial moves.
Sharp Political Divisions Emerge
The poll reveals stark differences along political lines. About nine in ten Democrats and roughly six in ten independents say Trump has "gone too far" on military intervention. In comparison, only about two in ten Republicans share this view.
Among Republicans, 71 percent say the president's actions have been "about right." However, just about one in ten want him to go further with military engagements. This shows some restraint even within his own party.
Growing Fatigue with Overseas Engagement
The poll also points to broader wariness about America's role in world affairs. Nearly half of Americans want the U.S. to take a "less active" role internationally. About one-third believe the current level of involvement is appropriate. Only around two in ten favor a more active global role for the country.
Support for stepping back appears strongest among Democrats and independents. At least half of these groups now want reduced U.S. involvement abroad. This represents a notable shift from just a few months ago.
Republicans show a different trend. They have increasingly rallied behind Trump's approach. About 64 percent say the country's current global role is "about right." This marks an increase from 55 percent in September, according to AP-NORC.
Broader Implications of the Findings
The poll results suggest that while some Americans see limited benefits in the Venezuela operation, a majority remain cautious about deeper U.S. military engagement overseas. Many prefer Washington to focus less on foreign interventions and more on domestic priorities.
These findings come amid Trump's recent foreign policy actions. These include using U.S. military power in Venezuela, making public comments about taking control of Greenland if Denmark resists, and warning that the U.S. would come to the "rescue" of peaceful protesters in Iran.
The American public appears increasingly divided about how aggressively the country should project power abroad. This poll captures that growing sentiment as the administration continues its current foreign policy approach.
