American Public Opinion on Trump’s Handling of Ukraine

A majority of American voters (54%) disapprove of Trump's handling of the war in Ukraine, according to a new poll commissioned by National Security Action.

Key Findings

  • Trump’s alienation of U.S. allies (including NATO) and the ongoing war in Ukraine both rank among the most important foreign policy and national security issues for voters. 

    • At the same time, more Americans continue to rank certain domestic issues — such as inflation, living costs, jobs, the economy — above foreign policy issues.

  • More than half of American voters — including 57% of Independents — disapprove of Trump’s handling of the war in Ukraine. Only 34% of voters approve.

  • If Putin continues to reject a ceasefire, a majority of voters (54%) think the U.S. should do more — to pressure Putin to make a deal or to support Ukraine on the battlefield. Less than a quarter of voters think the U.S. has done enough and should walk away.

Messaging Guidance

  • Trump’s volatile and indecisive approach is failing. Trump pledged to end the war in Ukraine “on day one” – and even promised to resolve the conflict before he took office. But today, the war is worse than ever. Trump has failed to ratchet up economic pressure on Russia, deliver the support Ukraine needs, or bring Putin to the negotiating table. Once again, the “master negotiator” has failed to live up to his promises. 

  • Putin only responds to strength. It’s clear to the world that Putin is buying time and has no real interest in peace. Instead, Putin hopes that Trump will grow frustrated by the stalled negotiations and make peace on Moscow's terms or walk away entirely. By applying severe economic consequences on the Russian economy, including sanctions, export controls, and tariffs, the U.S. can force Putin to recalculate the costs of continuing a war that is bleeding Russia’s resources for little gain.

  • The only path to lasting peace is strengthening Ukraine’s leverage. The goal isn’t to fund an endless war, it’s to put Ukraine in a position of strength – on the battlefield and at the negotiating table. A hasty “peace” deal that gives in to Putin – after he started this illegal war – will not secure a lasting peace.