A recent YouGov poll shows that more Americans are critical of U.S. military operations abroad, with 36% saying such interventions worsen situations in the countries where they occur. This marks an increase from 28% who held this view in 2023. The survey, conducted from September 5 to 8 and including responses from 1,114 adults, comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Venezuela.
President Trump ordered a military strike on a vessel in the Caribbean on September 2, alleging it was transporting narcotics to the U.S. and operated by “Tren de Aragua Narcoterrorists…under the control of Nicolás Maduro.” A second strike was announced on September 15 after additional naval assets were deployed to the region. Venezuelan officials responded by increasing their own military presence along the coast to address drug trafficking concerns.
U.S.-Venezuela relations have been strained for years, with Washington imposing sanctions on Venezuela and accusing President Maduro’s government of human rights abuses.
According to the poll, only 20% of respondents believe U.S. military operations overseas improve situations, down from 24% two years ago. Twenty-four percent said these actions neither improve nor worsen conditions, while another 20% were unsure. The poll has a margin of error of about four percentage points.
The largest change in opinion occurred among Democrats: “43% of whom believe American military operations worsen situations in nations where they occur. This is an increase of 18 percentage points from 25% in 2023.” Among independents, “38% said U.S. military operations worsen situations, up from 31% two years ago.” Republican views remained relatively stable: “26% saying foreign interventions worsen situations, down from 28% in 2023.”
A significant majority—62%—oppose a potential U.S. invasion of Venezuela aimed at toppling President Maduro; only 16% support such action and 22% remain unsure. Opposition is strongest among Democrats (74%) and independents (63%), compared to Republicans (48%).
Similarly, “a smaller majority, 53%, also said they are against using military force to topple Maduro,” with just “18%” supporting this option. Democratic opposition stands at “67%, compared with independents (52%) and Republicans (38%).”
Opinions are more divided regarding Trump’s decision to deploy ships around Venezuela: “Thirty-eight percent said they opposed this move, while 36% said they supported it.” Most Democrats (62%) opposed it while most Republicans (68%) favored it.
