Voters Don’t Have Fully-Formed Opinions on Israel-Gaza, but Support Increased Humanitarian Aid

AUGUST 2025

This document summarizes key findings from six online focus groups conducted by GBAO for National Security Action in August 2025. Participants included Democrats, Republicans, and Independents – all of whom follow U.S. foreign policy at least occasionally. All participants reside in Georgia, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Ohio, or Texas.

KEY FINDING:

Most voters do not have strong or well-developed opinions about the conflict in Gaza, with many tuning it out due to frustration, confusion, or a sense of being overwhelmed. While few voters are well-versed on the issue, those who are at least somewhat familiar with the conflict tend to be deeply troubled by the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Across political lines, including among conservative Republicans, there is widespread concern about starvation in Gaza and a shared belief that the U.S. and international community should be doing more to address the suffering. “Like, apparently he’s the greatest person in the world. Why can’t he fix this?” asked a Michigan Democrat.

In discussions about leadership, Donald Trump is generally viewed unfavorably in relation to the conflict. Voters see him as either indifferent, ineffective, or aligned with Netanyahu’s controversial policies. An Independent from Ohio said “I hear that he’s complicit with all the stuff that's going on and all the people being starved and everything. That's pretty upsetting. He hasn’t done anything to change that.” Notably, no participants expressed strong support for Trump’s approach to the conflict. At best, some conveyed a sense of resignation, suggesting that no president could truly resolve such a prolonged and complex conflict.

MORE FROM VOTERS:

  • “I think he tries to talk big, but I, you know, we're all sitting here. And I can't think of anything that he's actually done except take the food out of the mouths of the starving children. Literally.” (Georgia Democrat)

  • “He's been very hands-off with Netanyahu, which, I think a lot of people think that Netanyahu's gone too far. Trump hasn’t done enough intervention to stop what's happening, especially when it comes to the aid and the food situation. I think he could have stepped in and done a hell of a lot better job than just sitting back and watching it happen.” (Texas Republican)

  • “Well, nothing much has happened. He commented on seeing all those starving people. But what has he done? I mean, I don't see anything happening. And then you have these people starving right before your eyes. And if he's that great a negotiator, why is nothing happening here?” (Minnesota Republican)

TAKEAWAYS:

  • While the Israel-Gaza conflict remains a divisive issue for some voters, there is broad, bipartisan agreement that the United States should do more to alleviate the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Voters across the political spectrum believe Donald Trump should take greater action to prevent widespread starvation. Although there is no clear consensus on how to resolve the broader war, there is a clear frustration with Trump’s failure to increase support for humanitarian aid and relief efforts.