Americans want more global leadership despite military doubts, survey shows

A new national defense poll shows that Americans are increasingly concerned about global threats and more willing to see the United States assert its leadership on the world stage — even as doubts grow about the military’s readiness to deter adversaries and win wars abroad.

The 2025 Reagan National Defense Poll, released by the Ronald Reagan Institute on Wednesday, found that 64% of Americans want the United States to be more involved and take the lead internationally, a clear majority that cuts across political lines. But this desire for greater American leadership comes hand in hand with a bleaker view of the Pentagon’s capabilities: only 49% believe that US Army It can win a war abroad, and only 45% say it can effectively deter foreign aggression.

In an interview, Rachel Huff, policy director at the Reagan Institute and one of the survey’s authors, said the public’s desire for U.S. global engagement has remained consistent over the years — but their expectations change as the questions become more specific.

“The American people truly support an engaged American presence on the international stage,” Hof said. At the same time, she noted that the public believed that the U.S.[has] The most powerful army in the world” and that American superiority “ultimately leads to a more peaceful and secure world.”

Taiwanese foreign minister praises importance of US relations, says group visits ‘contribute to peace and stability’

An opinion poll showed that the American public did not believe that American military capabilities were adequate to win the war. (US Navy/MC3 Gray Gibson)

The poll results highlight an ongoing tension in public opinion: Americans want the United States to lead, but they also see the military struggling to maintain its advantage over rising authoritarian adversaries.

Trust in the military continues to erode

One of the most notable long-term trends in the survey is a decline in confidence in… armed forces. Only 49% of Americans now say they have a “great deal” of confidence in the military — down 21 points since 2018.

The Senate moves to rein in the Trump administration’s erratic Ukraine policy

The downturn is widespread, Hof said.

“This has happened among Americans of all political stripes, men and women, and people of all age groups,” she said. Although the numbers appear to have stabilized in the past two years, this shift represents one of the most significant declines in trust in any major public institution.

When asked what Americans attribute to this erosion, Hof said the poll consistently highlights one theme.

“It’s all about something to do with some kind of politicization of the military,” she said. “The American people really want to keep politics out of the military and keep the military focused on its core warfighting mission.”

Read the poll below. App users: Click here

Support for sending weapons to Ukraine is rising sharply

The other key finding is that support for sending US weapons to Ukraine rose to 64%, up nine points since last year. Nearly two-thirds of Americans also say they want Ukraine to win the war. 45% support supporting Kiev until it regains all the territories occupied by Russia.

Hoff said this shift reflects a renewed focus on… The fate of Ukraine – A noticeable change among Republican voters.

“There has been a real increase in support for sending US weapons to Ukraine,” she said, adding that it was “particularly noticeable among Republicans.”

She referred to the political environment under President Trump.

“With Donald Trump returning to the White House with his administration leading peace talks between the Russians and Ukrainians, we see not only a desire for America to play a role in building peace, but actually for Ukraine to emerge victorious,” she said.

While fewer Americans support fighting until full territorial sovereignty is restored, 45%, Hof said the nuances do not change the basic view: The public sees Ukraine as a friend and Russia as an adversary.

“They want to see peace in the region,” she said. “They consider Ukraine an ally, and they see Russia as an adversary.”

A major leap in support for Taiwan’s defense against China

The poll shows a significant rise in public support for defending Taiwan. 60% of Americans now say they would support sending US forces to defend Taiwan if China invaded Taiwan, compared to 48% last year. (E-Hua Cheng/AFP via Getty Images)

The poll shows a significant rise in public support for defending Taiwan. 60% of Americans now say they would support sending US forces to defend Taiwan if China invaded Taiwan, compared to 48% last year.

Almost all possible US responses tested by the survey – including sanctions, moving military assets, sending equipment, and establishing a no-fly zone – rose by about ten points.

The reason is clear: Americans increasingly view China as the main strategic threat to the United States, Hof said.

“Almost all of the reactions to a possible Chinese invasion of Taiwan that we tested in the poll… rose by about 10 points in just the last year,” she said. “The American people clearly understand who our friends are and who our adversaries are.”

This year’s poll again shows that China represents the greatest potential threat to the United States, far ahead of Russia, Iran, or North Korea. Growing concern about Beijing’s military power, cyber capabilities, and global influence appears to be driving increased support for Taiwan’s defense.

The study also found that support for sending US weapons to Ukraine rose to 64%, up nine points from last year. Nearly two-thirds of Americans also say they want Ukraine to win the war. 45% support supporting Kiev until it regains all the territories occupied by Russia. (Press Service of the Russian Ministry of Defense via AP)

What does the public expect from policymakers?

The survey comes at a time when the Pentagon is reevaluating its defense strategy and the resources required to confront China and Russia. Huff said the data provides a clear message that the public expects reliable leadership and force.

She added: “The American people see threats around the world, understand who our friends are and who our adversaries are, and they want the United States to lead the world and stand up for freedom.” “They want a U.S. military with the resources and capacity to do this.”

Click here to download the FOX NEWS app

Asked what the Pentagon should take away from the findings, Hof said defense leaders can be confident that the public supports a strong American presence around the world.

She said: “Americans really want the United States to participate and support our allies and partners.” They want an army that is “prepared to balance American interests and advance American interests in each of these regions…to restore deterrence and restore peace.”