Almost two-thirds of Americans are in favor of a more robust U.S. role in global affairs, based on recent survey findings from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute. This survey, the third of its kind, shows that 64% of respondents support the notion of the U.S. taking a leadership position internationally—an increase of over 20% since last year.
The research highlights that even among Republicans, who traditionally lean toward isolationism, there is strong bipartisan support for international involvement. Notably, 69% of Republicans and 65% of Democrats share this viewpoint.
This survey’s timing coincided with the Trump administration’s unexpected military strike on Iranian nuclear sites, a decision intended to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Interestingly, around 73% of registered voters polled by Fox News believe that Iran represents a genuine security threat to the U.S.
“Americans have not retreated from the world,” the survey’s introduction notes. It emphasizes that citizens support foreign policies that advocate for peace through strength, maintain strong alliances, and uphold moral standards.
Before the latest Israeli airstrikes in Iran, another key finding revealed that 45% of respondents backed those airstrikes aimed at Iranian nuclear facilities, while 37% opposed them and 18% were undecided. It’s worth noting that political affiliation significantly influenced sentiments about Israel’s actions regarding Iran. About 60% of Republicans supported Israeli airstrikes, but that number dropped to 35% among independents and 32% among Democrats.
In addressing U.S. leadership in global endeavors, the survey also touched on broader foreign policy matters, including human rights and military spending. One question garnered interest in terms of “territorial expansion.” President Trump has notably shown interest in acquiring strategic regions such as Greenland and the Panama Canal, raising discussions about the possibility of controlling the Gaza Strip amid ongoing terrorism challenges.
Support for pursuing the Panama Canal was at 55%, while 47% favored acquiring Greenland. Yet, opinions varied sharply between party lines; the majority of Democrats opposed such territorial expansions, contrasting with widespread Republican support. With regard to the Gaza Strip, only 33% supported this notion, which included 24% of Democrats and 47% of Republicans.
This summer’s survey conducted by the Reagan Institute involved 1,257 adults across the U.S. between May 27 and June 2.
