Most Americans Don't Support Trump's Foreign Policy, Surveys Show

Two new surveys show that most Americans — including many Republicans — do not agree with President Donald Trump's approach to foreign policy. The polls were done by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and the University of Texas at Austin. They asked hundreds of business leaders, government officials, and everyday Americans what they think about tariffs, military alliances, and ongoing wars. The results suggest that Trump's 'America First' agenda is not as popular as he may believe.

The surveys polled 449 leaders from fields like business, government, media, universities, and religious groups. They also included a nationally representative sample of the general public. Questions covered topics like trade, the NATO alliance, the wars in Ukraine and Iran, and whether the U.S. should try to take over Greenland. About one-third of the leaders surveyed had worked in government jobs related to foreign policy.

On the topic of tariffs, the surveys found very little support for Trump's trade policy. Tariffs are taxes placed on goods coming in from other countries. Trump has used them against many long-time U.S. trading partners. However, 81 percent of the general public says tariffs have not improved the cost of living. Even among Republicans, 62 percent believe tariffs raise prices for everyday Americans.

Trump has also pushed the idea that America's allies have taken advantage of the United States. He has questioned whether the U.S. should stay in NATO, a military alliance of many countries. But this view is very unpopular among leaders. More than 60 percent of Republican leaders and over 90 percent of Democratic leaders want the U.S. to keep or increase its support for NATO. And 85 percent of all leaders surveyed said the U.S. should use military force if Russia invaded a NATO ally.

When it comes to Ukraine, Trump has cut off U.S. military aid and suggested that Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelensky, should be replaced. Russia has been fighting a war against Ukraine since 2022. Despite Trump's actions, 84 percent of foreign-policy leaders — including 79 percent of Republicans — think the U.S. should send more military aid to Ukraine. About 60 percent of the general public agrees, and nearly 70 percent support letting Ukraine join NATO.

The war in Iran is another area where Trump faces public doubt. The U.S. launched military action against Iran, but only about one-third of the public thinks that was the right decision. More than two-thirds of Americans — 68 percent — believe the war was not worth fighting. Many Republican voters still support the decision to attack Iran, but they also admit that the war has made everyday costs go up.

Overall, just 20 percent of Americans think the U.S. is more respected in the world today than it was ten years ago. Even among Republicans, only 40 percent feel that way. Because so many leaders and voters disagree with key parts of Trump's agenda, experts believe his foreign policy may not last beyond his time in office. Future leaders may look for a new direction that better matches what Americans actually want.