The recent national poll highlights a clear divide among political parties regarding the military operation targeting Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Conducted by Reuters/Ipsos, the findings reveal a sharp contrast in support levels between Republicans and Democrats after the U.S. military captured Maduro and transferred him to federal authorities to face drug trafficking charges.
The poll shows that 65% of Republicans approve of the operation, a significant majority that underscores strong party alignment in favor of aggressive action against Maduro. In contrast, only 11% of Democrats back the strike, showcasing considerable opposition within that party. Moreover, Independents appear uncertain, with only 23% expressing their approval. This disparity indicates a pronounced partisan divide on military interventions, particularly in Latin America.
Approximately two-thirds of Democrats and a notable 35% of Independents disapproved of the military action, reflecting a general reluctance among those groups. Overall, the poll indicates that about a third of respondents approved of the mission, while another third were noncommittal or chose not to respond. This points to a significant level of ambivalence in public opinion regarding military interventions, hinting at broader concerns about the consequences of U.S. involvement abroad.
President Trump, who has often criticized previous administrations’ foreign engagements, stated with confidence, “We’re in charge,” emphasizing his belief that the U.S. has a commanding role in Venezuela. However, the poll reveals widespread concern among the American public about overstepping in foreign affairs. A substantial 72% of all respondents, including 90% of Democrats and 74% of Independents, expressed apprehension that the U.S. might become excessively involved in Venezuela’s internal matters.
The president’s intention to possibly deploy ground troops in Venezuela reflects a commitment to exert U.S. influence in the region. While 60% of Republicans support sending troops, this figure drops sharply to just 30% among the broader population. This difference emphasizes the tentativeness surrounding military escalations among the general public.
Furthermore, the poll indicates division even within the Republican Party regarding interventionist policies. Only 43% of GOP respondents agree that the United States should dominate affairs in the Western Hemisphere, suggesting there is a sizable faction that prefers an “America First” approach, which prioritizes domestic issues over international entanglements.
Trump’s approval rating in this survey stands at 42%, an increase of three points since December. This slight rise in approval might reflect a segment of the populace rallying behind decisive action, yet it also highlights underlying tension and complexity in public sentiment toward interventionist policies. As Trump navigates this polarized landscape, it remains to be seen how these sentiments will influence future U.S. actions and policies in Venezuela and beyond.
"*" indicates required fields
