In recent polling, there are indications that President Donald Trump's supporters are hesitant about greater U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts as military actions in Venezuela unfold. Despite some initial backing from Republicans for Trump's military strike against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, a broader analysis reveals that the majority of Americans prefer a focus on domestic concerns rather than foreign policy.
An AP-NORC poll conducted last month showed that most Americans in 2026 want the government to concentrate on home-related issues like health care and economic challenges, neglecting foreign affairs. Following the military operation that led to Maduro's capture by U.S. forces, the American public expressed skepticism about the U.S. assuming control over Venezuela.
Trump has suggested a more extensive role for the U.S. in Latin America; however, a poll from last fall indicated that Republicans largely oppose increased involvement in overseas problems. With many Americans leaning towards addressing domestic economic issues, it remains to be seen how public opinion might shift as the Trump administration reveals its strategy for Venezuela, potentially placing Trump in a challenging position.
As the new year approaches, the priority for most Americans appears to shift away from foreign policy issues. Only about one-quarter of U.S. adults identified foreign affairs, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, as key areas for government attention. This marks a decrease from previous years, with nearly no respondents specifically mentioning Venezuela as a priority.
Recently, Maduro pleaded not guilty to federal drug trafficking charges in New York, a situation that followed U.S. strikes on vessels allegedly transporting drugs from Venezuela. Although the Trump administration has emphasized drug trafficking, it remains a low priority for many Americans, particularly outside the Republican voter base. Around 1 in 10 Republicans indicated that drug-related issues should be a government focus, while Democrats and independents did not express similar concerns.
Regarding U.S. military action, recent findings reveal a split opinion among Americans about the decision to capture Maduro. Approximately 40% approved of the military operation, while an equal percentage expressed opposition. A closer look at party lines showed widespread support among Republicans and general disapproval among Democrats. Nearly 45% of Americans opposed the notion of the U.S. taking control of Venezuela and setting up its government, reinforcing the sentiment that Venezuelans should determine their leadership.
A Quinnipiac poll conducted in December reflected that about 60% of registered voters were against military action in Venezuela. Although opinions among Republicans on the subject were split—with half in favor and roughly one-third opposed—there is a clear preference among the public for the U.S. to take a less active role in global affairs. Only 10% of Republicans expressed a desire for the U.S. to be more involved internationally, with 55% stating that the present level of U.S. engagement is appropriate.
These attitudes could present a complex challenge for a president who campaigned on "America First" principles and vowed to discontinue the U.S.'s involvement in "forever wars." Among Trump supporters in the 2024 election, 70% expressed a preference for the U.S. to engage less in international issues. A December poll indicated that Americans were divided on whether Trump is fulfilling his "America First" promise, with approximately half of the respondents believing he was upholding it, while the other half felt he had diverged from this commitment.
In the context of the recent military operation leading to Maduro's ousting, Trump's support seems relatively intact, with only about 10% of Trump voters expressing feelings of abandonment concerning the "America First" promise, while the vast majority continued to back his approach.
