What's happened
A recent AP-NORC poll conducted after Maduro's capture reveals that 56% of Americans believe Trump has overstepped on military interventions abroad, especially in Venezuela. Majorities disapprove of his overall foreign policy, with Democrats and independents opposing his actions, while most Republicans support his approach. The poll highlights ongoing divisions over U.S. global engagement.
What's behind the headline?
Trump’s foreign policy approach is increasingly viewed as overreach, especially among Democrats and independents, who see his military interventions as excessive. The poll indicates that while Republicans largely support his actions, their backing is waning slightly, reflecting internal divisions. Trump's recent comments about seizing Greenland and intervening in Iran suggest a shift toward more assertive, unpredictable foreign policy tactics that risk alienating allies and escalating conflicts. The divergence in perceptions underscores a broader debate about America’s role in global security: whether to prioritize isolationism or assertiveness. The potential consequences include further polarization, diplomatic fallout, and a possible erosion of U.S. influence abroad. The poll’s findings forecast continued domestic debate over foreign intervention, with the likelihood that Trump’s approach will face increasing scrutiny and opposition, especially if international incidents escalate.
What the papers say
The AP-NORC poll, conducted between January 8 and 11, provides a comprehensive snapshot of American public opinion, highlighting significant disapproval of Trump’s foreign policy, especially among Democrats and independents. The Independent emphasizes the widespread disapproval of Trump's recent military actions, noting that 56% believe he has overstepped, and many see his interventions as not beneficial for U.S. security or economy. Conversely, some Republicans support his stance, particularly on issues like drug trafficking, though even their support is slightly waning. The Times of Israel echoes these sentiments, pointing out that 56% of Americans think Trump has gone too far with military interventions, and most disapprove of his overall foreign policy approach. Both sources highlight the stark partisan divide, with Democrats and independents strongly opposing, and Republicans largely supporting, his recent aggressive moves. The coverage underscores the growing international and domestic controversy surrounding Trump’s foreign policy, with potential implications for future U.S. diplomatic strategy.
How we got here
The poll was conducted shortly after Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's capture, amid Trump's recent aggressive foreign policy moves including efforts to control Venezuelan oil, threats to seize Greenland, and warnings to Iran. These actions contrast with his 'America First' platform and have sparked mixed reactions across political lines, with Democrats and independents largely disapproving and Republicans largely supporting his stance.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why Did the US Seize Venezuelan Oil Tankers Now?
Recent actions by the US military have seen the seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers in international waters, raising questions about the motives behind these bold moves. With tensions escalating between the US, Venezuela, and Russia, many are wondering what the US aims to achieve with these seizures and what it means for international relations. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this complex geopolitical situation.
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Why Do Most Americans Disapprove of Trump's Foreign Interventions?
Recent polls reveal that a majority of Americans are skeptical or disapproving of Trump's foreign interventions, especially in places like Venezuela, Greenland, and Iran. This raises questions about public opinion on U.S. foreign policy and how political divides influence these views. In this page, we explore why many Americans are critical of these actions, what specific policies are unpopular, and what this might mean for future U.S. foreign policy decisions.
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What Could a Pardon for Puerto Rican Ex-Governor Vazquez Mean Politically?
The potential pardon of Puerto Rican ex-governor Vazquez by President Trump has sparked widespread speculation about its political implications. As her case involves foreign donations and ties to Trump, many are wondering what this move could signify for U.S.-Puerto Rico relations, Trump’s political strategy, and the broader landscape of political accountability. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this developing story and what it might mean for the future.
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What Do Polls Say About Americans’ Views on Trump’s Foreign Interventions?
Recent polls reveal a significant divide in American opinion on Donald Trump’s foreign policy actions. While some support his aggressive stance, many others disapprove, especially among Democrats and independents. Curious about how the public perceives his military interventions and what this means for future U.S. foreign policy? Keep reading to explore the latest insights and questions surrounding this controversial topic.
More on these topics
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Venezuela, officially the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, is a country on the northern coast of South America, consisting of a continental landmass and many small islands and islets in the Caribbean Sea.
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Iran, also called Persia, and officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered to the northwest by Armenia and Azerbaijan, to the north by the Caspian Sea, to the northeast by Turkmenistan, to the east by Afghanistan a
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Greenland is the world's largest island, located between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, east of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. It is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
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Nicolás Maduro Moros is a Venezuelan politician serving as president of Venezuela since 2013. His presidency has been disputed by Juan Guaidó since January 2019, although Maduro is the real president.