Kathrine Frich
As Donald Trump’s second term unfolds, the administration has advanced a series of foreign policy shifts that mark a clear break from previous decades.
These moves have stirred debate in Washington and raised questions about how voters view the United States global posture.
A newly released national survey offers a snapshot of how Americans are thinking about the country’s security priorities.
It also provides early insight into whether the administration’s approach aligns with public expectations.
Researchers compiled responses from a broad national sample, capturing views held across party lines.
The results were published the same day the White House introduced its new National Security Strategy.
Contrasting visions
According to the Reagan National Defense Survey, 62 percent of Americans want Ukraine to defeat Russia.
TVP World reported that support for sending weapons to Kyiv reached 64 percent, which is nine points higher than last year.
Both Republicans and Democrats expressed similar levels of backing for Ukraine.
The administration’s 33 page National Security Strategy called for a major shift in United States priorities and offered strong criticism of Europe.
It argued for restoring what it described as strategic stability with Russia, while avoiding any reference to Moscow’s role in the war.
The survey indicates that most Americans view Russia with deep skepticism.
70 percent said they do not believe Moscow would honor a peace agreement, including 61 percent of Republicans and 77 percent of Democrats.
Support for NATO
The strategy signaled a desire to halt NATO expansion, which would reverse decades of bipartisan policy.
The poll shows growing public support for the alliance instead. Approval has climbed to 68 percent, the highest figure recorded since the survey began in 2018.
Backing for NATO’s Article 5 mutual defense clause is also strong.
76 percent of respondents said the United States should use military force if an ally is attacked.
Views on leadership
While the strategic document called for a reduced international profile, 64 percent of respondents said Washington should take on a more active global role.
That view includes 79 percent of those aligned with the MAGA movement and 57 percent of Democrats.
Nearly two thirds said the United States military should be large enough to win two conflicts at the same time, including potential confrontations with China and Russia.
Ukraine and concessions
The survey also found broad resistance to Ukraine giving up territory. 45 percent said Washington should support Kyiv’s efforts to reclaim all occupied areas.
Only about a quarter favored a negotiated settlement involving concessions, despite the administration’s repeated pressure on Ukraine to consider such terms.
The Reagan National Defense Survey was conducted from October 23 to November 3, 2025, among 2,507 adults.
Sources: Digi24, TVP World, Reuters
