Edith Hejberg
The results highlight a growing unease about Trump’s leadership even within his own party.
A new poll reveals that a majority of Americans lack confidence in Donald Trump’s ability to make sound decisions about the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Released just before his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the findings show nearly 60% of respondents are either “not very confident” or “not at all confident” in Trump’s judgment on the issue.
Bipartisan Skepticism, With Cracks in GOP Support
While Democrats are far more skeptical, the poll indicates that even Republican confidence is slipping. In August, 73% of Republicans said they had at least some confidence in Trump’s handling of the war, a drop from 81% in July 2024.
The results highlight a growing unease about Trump’s leadership even within his own party.
A Crucial Meeting on the Horizon
The polling data comes ahead of Trump’s highly anticipated summit with Putin in Alaska. The White House has worked to manage expectations, with spokesperson Karoline Leavitt describing the summit as merely a “listening exercise.”
But Trump has struck a more forceful tone, warning of “very serious consequences” for Moscow if peace efforts fail.
Mixed Feelings on U.S. Role in Ukraine
Americans remain divided over whether the United States should continue aiding Ukraine. The split is largely along party lines, with Democrats more inclined to support military and financial assistance.
However, the overall level of support has softened since the early days of the war.
War Viewed as Less of a U.S. Threat
Fewer than one-third of Americans now view the conflict as a major threat to U.S. national interests.
That marks a significant decline from 2022, when Russia launched its full-scale invasion. The shift may reflect both war fatigue and growing domestic concerns taking precedence in the public mind.
Trump’s Tone on Russia Shifts
Interestingly, fewer Americans now believe Trump is “too supportive” of Russia. The change coincides with a noticeable shift in Trump’s rhetoric.
In recent months, he’s taken a more critical stance toward Moscow, a departure from his earlier, more conciliatory comments.
Democrats Largely Unmoved
Democratic voters remain firmly doubtful of Trump’s foreign policy instincts.
According to the Pew data, confidence among Democrats in Trump’s handling of the war is negligible, with few expecting him to influence Putin effectively or champion U.S. values abroad.
Republican Trust Slips but Holds
While confidence among Republicans has dropped slightly, Trump still retains strong backing from within his base.
Nearly three-quarters of GOP respondents expressed at least some level of trust in his ability to manage the Ukraine crisis, showing he still commands loyalty despite growing tensions.
The Stakes of the Alaska Summit
The upcoming summit is widely seen as a test of Trump’s diplomatic credibility.
With expectations tempered by the White House and growing public doubt, the outcome could reshape perceptions of his foreign policy credentials as he seeks to reassert global leadership.
