January 16, 2026
U.S. Foreign Policy, January 2026
Americans Disapprove of U.S. Military Action in Foreign Nations, But Republican Support Underscores Partisan Divide
A majority of Americans express opposition to U.S. military action in Venezuela. And similar or greater opposition exists to the United States carrying out military operations in Greenland, Iran, Cuba, or Mexico. However, partisan differences exist. While most Democrats and many independents oppose military action in these countries, Republicans express support.
A majority of Americans (56%) either strongly oppose or oppose the United States taking military action in Venezuela. 43% either strongly support or support such action.
When thinking about Greenland, nearly seven in ten Americans (69%) either strongly oppose or oppose U.S. military involvement in the country. 29% either strongly support or support the U.S. taking military action in Greenland.
A majority of Americans (57%) strongly oppose or oppose the United States taking military action in Iran. 42%, though, either strongly support or support such a move.
More than six in ten (61%) strongly oppose or oppose U.S. military operations taking place in Cuba. 37% strongly support or support the U.S. taking military action in Cuba.
60% strongly oppose or oppose U.S. military action in Mexico. 38% either strongly support or support this kind of action in Mexico.
More than eight in ten Democrats and more than six in ten independents voice opposition to U.S. military action in any of these nations. Republicans, though, favor U.S. military operations in Venezuela (83%), Iran (75%), Mexico (74%), Cuba (71%), and Greenland (57%).
Seven in Ten Americans Think the U.S. Should Consult with Congress Before Taking Military Action
70% of Americans say that the United States should receive congressional approval before taking military action. 29% think Congress does not need to be consulted. Most Democrats (91%), nearly eight in ten independents (78%), and even 36% of Republicans say the U.S. should not engage in military operations without consulting Congress. 62% of Republicans do not think Congress needs to approve military action.
Majority Say Global Role of U.S. Diminished, Thanks to President Trump
57% of Americans think President Trump’s decisions have weakened the United States’ role on the world stage. 43% believe the nation’s influence has been strengthened. A sharp partisan divide exists with 90% of Democrats saying the international role of the U.S. has been weakened and 89% of Republicans saying it has been strengthened. 65% of independents report that the U.S. role on the world stage has been weakened due to President Trump’s decisions.
Trump’s Approval Rating on Foreign Policy Dips
37% of Americans, down slightly from 41% in July of 2025, approve of how the President is handling foreign policy. 56%, up from 52% previously, disapprove, and 7% are unsure.
The President’s approval rating on foreign policy has declined among Democrats (7% from 12%) and independents (29% from 33%). Republicans remain steady with more than eight in ten saying they approve of how President Trump approaches foreign policy issues (83% compared with 82% in July).
Majority Disapproves of President Trump’s Handling of the Economy
36% of Americans approve of how President Trump is handling the economy. 57% disapprove, and 7% are unsure. President Trump’s approval rating on the economy is unchanged from last month (36%).
Trump’s Job Approval Rating Steady at 38%
38% of Americans approve of how President Trump is performing in office. 56% disapprove, and 6% are unsure. The President’s job approval rating is unchanged from 38% in December of 2025. Americans are twice as likely to strongly disapprove of how the President is doing his job (47%) than to strongly approve (23%).
Methodology
This Marist Poll national survey of 1,408 adults was conducted January 12th through January 13th, 2026, by the Marist Poll. Adults 18 years of age and older residing in the United States were contacted through a multi-mode design: By phone using live interviewers, by text, or online. Results for all adults (n= 1,408) are statistically significant within ±3.3 percentage points. Results for registered voters (n=1,222) are statistically significant within ±3.5 percentage points. For full methodology and tables, click on the Survey Data button below.