Key Takeaways:
- Most Americans disapprove of President Trump’s recent intervention in Venezuela and his threats of military action against other nations.
- Over half of U.S. adults believe Trump has "gone too far" in using the U.S. military to intervene in other countries.
- 70% of voters think a president should receive congressional approval before taking military action against another country.
- A majority of Americans want the United States to take a "less active" role abroad, with nearly half wanting a reduction in global involvement.
- The majority of Americans oppose military action against Iran and the attempted purchase or seizure of Greenland.
Introduction to the Polls
The recent polls conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and Quinnipiac University have revealed that most Americans are not in favor of President Donald Trump’s recent intervention in Venezuela and his threats of military action against other nations, including Greenland and Iran. The polls, which were released on January 14, 2026, show that over half of U.S. adults believe Trump has "gone too far" in using the U.S. military to intervene in other countries. This sentiment is echoed in the Quinnipiac University poll, where 7 out of 10 U.S. voters think a president should receive congressional approval before taking military action against another country.
Attitudes Towards U.S. Military Intervention
The attitudes toward U.S. military intervention abroad are building on a growing unease with the administration’s foreign policy stance among Americans and some members of the president’s own party. The first few weeks of the year have been dominated by Trump’s military interventions in Venezuela, and threats of further military actions against Greenland, Iran, Colombia, and Mexico. The administration’s push for peace talks and hosting of foreign leaders in 2025 was overshadowed by a series of polls and a Democratic blowout in the November elections, which signaled that the economy is a growing pressure point among voters. The president’s recent ramping up of threats to take Greenland, claiming the United States needs the Arctic island to secure national security, and warning of potential military strikes against Iran as the regime violently cracks down on protesters, have been met with disapproval from most Americans.
Polling Results
The Quinnipiac University poll found that 70% of voters said the United States should not get involved in Iran, while more than 8 in 10 respondents said they would oppose an attempt to take Greenland by force. Additionally, more than half of respondents, 55%, said they would oppose the United States trying to buy Greenland from Denmark, while 37% said they would be OK with the purchase. Both Greenland and Denmark have repeatedly stated that the territory is not for sale. The Associated Press-NORC poll found that nearly half of Americans want the United States to take a "less active" role abroad, and about one-third say its current role is "about right." About 2 in 10 U.S. adults say they want the country to be more involved globally, including about 1 in 10 Republicans.
Venezuela and Public Opinion
Americans were more divided when it came to Venezuela, where U.S. special forces attacked the country and captured leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on January 3. They were transported to the United States and arraigned on drug trafficking charges. In the AP-NORC poll, about 6 in 10 Americans, or 57%, disapproved of how Trump was handling the situation in Venezuela. The other poll recorded a disapproval rating of 45%, while about 47% approved of the operation. The division in public opinion on Venezuela highlights the complexity of the issue and the need for careful consideration of the implications of U.S. military intervention.
Conclusion and Implications
The recent polls demonstrate a clear desire among Americans for a more measured approach to foreign policy and a reduction in U.S. military intervention abroad. The majority of Americans oppose military action against Iran and the attempted purchase or seizure of Greenland, and a significant number disapprove of the handling of the situation in Venezuela. As the administration continues to navigate complex global issues, it is essential to consider the will of the American people and the potential consequences of military intervention. The polls serve as a reminder that foreign policy decisions have significant implications for the United States and its relationships with other nations, and that careful consideration and congressional approval should be sought before taking military action.