A recent survey from the Reagan Institute reveals stark contradictions in American public opinion regarding national defense and military capability. As international tensions rise, many Americans call for a stronger U.S. role on the global stage. The findings from the 2025 Reagan National Defense Survey show that a sizable 64% of respondents want the United States to take on a more assertive leadership position worldwide. This sentiment cuts across political affiliations, reflecting a broad consensus about the nation’s responsibilities.
However, accompanying this call for leadership is a troubling skepticism about military effectiveness. Only 49% of those surveyed believe that the U.S. military could win a war overseas, and even fewer, just 45%, feel confident in its ability to deter foreign aggression.
Rachel Hoff, policy director at the Reagan Institute and one of the authors of the survey, emphasizes the public’s desire for engagement. “The American people really do support an engaged American presence on the international stage,” Hoff noted. Yet this optimism coexists with a growing sense of unease about the military’s readiness to meet current challenges. The survey shows a significant drop in public confidence over the past few years. Trust in the military has declined sharply, with only 49% of Americans expressing a “great deal” of confidence, down 21 points since 2018. This waning trust affects men and women, as well as younger and older Americans alike.
The survey illustrates an essential tension within public sentiment: Americans want the U.S. to lead, yet they perceive a military that is struggling to maintain its superiority against rising authoritarian regimes. Hoff attributes this decline in confidence to the blending of politics with military matters. “The American people really want to keep politics out of the military and keep the military focused on its core warfighting mission,” she stated. This clear distinction showcases a desire for a military that remains above the fray of political disputes.
Another critical finding relates to support for U.S. involvement in Ukraine. This year, 64% of respondents favor sending U.S. weapons to Ukraine, representing a nine-point increase from the previous year. The majority, roughly two-thirds, want Ukraine to emerge victorious in its conflict with Russia. While support for a complete restoration of occupied territories sits at 45%, the trend shows clear alignment toward supporting Ukraine against perceived aggression. Hoff highlights a notable shift among Republican voters, indicating rising support for military aid. “With Donald Trump back in the White House leading peace talks between the Russians and the Ukrainians, there’s not just a desire for America to be in a peace-building role, but in fact, for Ukraine to emerge victorious,” she remarked.
The survey also reveals a significant increase in backing for defending Taiwan against potential Chinese aggression. Sixty percent of Americans now support committing U.S. forces to Taiwan’s defense, a substantial increase from 48% last year. This shift underscores a growing perception of China as the chief strategic threat. When it comes to responses that the U.S. might pursue in defense of Taiwan—such as sanctions or deploying military assets—the survey shows about ten-point increases across all options. Hoff noted, “Almost every response to a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan that we poll test has gone up around 10 points just in the last year.” This heightened awareness illustrates a clear understanding among Americans of where their allies and adversaries lie.
The survey places China firmly in the spotlight as the leading perceived threat to American interests, far surpassing concerns about other nations like Russia, Iran, or North Korea. As worries about Beijing’s military power and influence continue to swell, Americans express a strong desire for the U.S. to adopt a proactive approach in defending Taiwan.
In summary, the survey sends a straightforward message to the Pentagon: American citizens expect leadership and credible strength in addressing global threats. As Hoff summarizes, the public recognizes the challenges ahead and desires a military that is adequately resourced and prepared. Americans want the U.S. to actively engage with allies while reinforcing peace and security worldwide. They envision a strong military presence that balances American interests and upholds its commitments across the globe. The survey’s findings present a clear imperative— the public expects the U.S. to step up and lead decisively in international affairs.
"*" indicates required fields
