A recent survey by YouGov indicates a notable shift in American opinions regarding U.S. military actions near Venezuela. Following a month of attacks on vessels believed to be transporting drugs off the coast, it appears more Americans are inclined to support Venezuela rather than back the U.S. assaults on ships in those waters.
The survey results show a strong opposition among Americans to the idea of a military invasion of Venezuela, with many also against the deployment of U.S. naval forces in the region.
This polling data comes on the heels of President Trump revealing that he had sanctioned covert operations within Venezuela, alongside an increase in U.S. military presence in the Caribbean amidst escalating tensions.
The YouGov poll highlights that a majority of Americans do not favor the Trump administration’s actions towards Venezuelan vessels suspected of drug trafficking. Since early September, U.S. forces have carried out at least 14 airstrikes targeting these ships in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, reportedly resulting in 61 fatalities.
Specifically, the poll found that 42% of Americans disapprove of the boat attacks, while 27% show approval, and 31% remain uncertain about their stance.
Interestingly, the government has not provided evidence verifying that the targeted vessels were indeed carrying drugs. Yet, about 51% of respondents believe these ships were transporting drugs, and 48% think they are linked to criminal or terrorist groups. A significant 43% believe that some of the vessels destroyed might have been civilian or fishing boats.
According to the findings, Republicans appeared more inclined than Democrats to trust the claims made by the Trump administration. In fact, 66% of Republicans supported his statement about taking lethal action against those involved in drug trafficking, compared to just 10% of Democrats and 28% of independents.
The survey also indicates a decline in support for the U.S. Navy’s presence near American coasts. Only 30% of respondents currently back military involvement off the coast of Venezuela, while the opposition hovers around 37%, consistent with previous survey data. The percentage of those uncertain about their position has also risen from 26% to 32% in just a month.
YouGov noted that a poll conducted in September revealed nearly equal divisions among Americans regarding naval deployment to Venezuela, with 36% in favor and 38% against. The sharpest decline in approval ratings for military presence came from Republican respondents.
Both the October and September surveys showed a consistent trend of opposition to any military invasion of Venezuela. In October, 46% of those polled expressed strong or moderate opposition to the use of military force to remove President Nicolás Maduro, while 18% showed support and 36% were unsure.
This YouGov poll surveyed over 2,000 individuals and carries a margin of error of around 4%.
