Public Disapproval of Trump’s Iran Airstrikes Grows in New Poll
A recent national poll conducted by SSRS for CNN reveals that a majority of Americans disapprove of President Donald Trump’s decision to launch airstrikes against Iran. The survey, which was carried out shortly after the strikes, shows a clear divide in public opinion, with strong disapproval outpacing support. This reflects a growing concern among the American public about the potential consequences of military action and the president’s judgment in making such decisions.
The poll found that 56% of respondents disapprove of the airstrikes, while 44% approve. Among those who strongly disapprove, 60% express their stance, compared to only 44% who strongly approve. This indicates that the decision has not been well-received across the board, with many citizens questioning the rationale behind the military action.
Partisan Divides Highlight Deepening Concerns
Partisan lines are sharply drawn in the survey, with Democrats overwhelmingly opposing the airstrikes. In fact, 88% of Democrats disapprove of the decision, while 82% of Republicans support it. However, even within the Republican party, there is a notable level of skepticism, particularly among younger supporters and independent voters. This suggests that while the decision may have some backing within the GOP, it is not universally accepted.
Among Republicans, just 44% strongly approve of the airstrikes, indicating that a significant portion of the party remains unconvinced about the necessity and effectiveness of the military action. This division highlights the complexity of public opinion on foreign policy decisions, especially when they involve potential escalation with a country like Iran.
Worry Over Increased Threat from Iran
A significant portion of the American public believes that the airstrikes will increase the threat posed by Iran. According to the poll, 58% of respondents think the strikes will make Iran more of a threat to the United States, while only 27% believe it will reduce the threat. This sentiment is shared across party lines, with both Democrats and independents expressing concerns about the potential consequences of the military action.
Even among those who support the airstrikes, only 55% expect them to reduce the threat level. This indicates that the public is not fully convinced of the benefits of the action, and many are skeptical about the long-term outcomes.
Diplomatic Efforts Questioned
Another key finding from the poll is that a majority of Americans feel the U.S. did not make enough diplomatic efforts before resorting to military action. Only 32% believe the U.S. made sufficient attempts at diplomacy, while 39% think it did not. This suggests a widespread belief that the administration should have explored other avenues before taking such a drastic step.
This sentiment is particularly strong among Democrats and independents, who are more likely to advocate for a cautious approach to foreign policy. They argue that the U.S. should prioritize dialogue and negotiation over immediate military intervention.
Trust in Trump’s Judgment Under Scrutiny
Trust in President Trump’s ability to make the right decisions regarding the use of force in Iran is also under scrutiny. Nearly half of the respondents, 45%, say they trust him moderately or a great deal, while 55% express little or no trust. This lack of confidence is especially pronounced among Democrats and independents, with 88% of Democrats and 62% of independents expressing little or no trust in his judgment.
This distrust extends to the need for congressional approval for any further military actions. A majority of Americans, 65%, believe that Trump should be required to get congressional approval before taking further military action in Iran. This reflects a desire for greater oversight and accountability in matters of national security.
Younger Voters Show Greater Skepticism
Younger Americans, particularly those under 35, show the highest levels of disapproval of the airstrikes. 68% of this age group disapproves of the military action, and they are also the most likely to express no trust in Trump’s ability to make the right decisions regarding the use of force in Iran. Additionally, 73% of young voters believe that Trump should be required to get congressional approval before taking further military action.
This generational divide highlights a growing trend among younger voters who are more skeptical of military interventions and prefer a more diplomatic approach to international conflicts.
Opposition to Ground Troops in Iran
Despite the support for airstrikes, there is very little public appetite for sending ground troops into Iran. Only 9% of respondents support sending ground troops, while 68% oppose it. Even among those who support the airstrikes, the opposition to ground troops is overwhelming, with a more than 2-to-1 margin against such an action.
This suggests that while the public may be willing to accept limited military action, they are not in favor of a prolonged and costly ground war in Iran.
Evolving Public Opinion
The poll also indicates that public opinion is still in flux, as the situation continues to evolve rapidly. While 80% of respondents say they have been following the news about the strikes at least somewhat closely, only one-third say they have followed it very closely. This suggests that the full impact of the decision is yet to be felt, and public sentiment could shift as more information becomes available.
Methodology and Margin of Error
The CNN poll was conducted by SSRS on June 22 and 23, with interviews carried out via text message. The sample included 1,030 adults nationwide, and the results have a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points. This ensures that the findings are statistically significant and representative of the broader population.
