Americans' Trust in Military at its Lowest Since 2018 Amid Growing Support for NATO and Ukraine: National Defense Survey

A recent survey highlights that while Americans increasingly value a strong U.S. military as a tool for global stability, their confidence in its ability to succeed in combat has dropped to the lowest point since 2018. The findings come from the 2025 Reagan National Defense Survey, conducted annually by the Reagan Institute to gauge public opinion on defense and national security.

Surveying around 2,500 adults via phone and online, the report shows Americans want the U.S. military to assert leadership on the world stage and promote peace through strength. Majorities across party lines support supplying weapons to Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia and backing Taiwan if China attempts an invasion. Overall, 64% favor greater U.S. engagement internationally, while 87% say maintaining the worlds most powerful military is critical, and 71% believe global peace is more achievable when the U.S. holds military superiority.

Support varies by political affiliation: 79% of MAGA Republicans and 57% of Democrats agree on the importance of military strength. Yet, there is a growing consensus among all demographic groups for stronger U.S. global leadership, with increases seen across age, region, and educational levels. Rachel Hoff, policy director at the Reagan Institute, noted the trend is broadly upward, though more pronounced among Republicans.

Confidence in the military as an institution, however, tells a more complex story. While 54% believe the military can keep the U.S. safe, only 49% trust it to win wars abroad, and 45% think it can effectively deter foreign aggression. Respondents rated branches of the armed forces favorably, particularly the Air Force (68%), Navy (58%), and space capabilities (56%). Diplomatic influence, ground forces, economic power, and autonomous capabilities received slightly lower approval.

Public confidence in the military has dropped significantly over the past seven years. Only 49% of Americans now report a high level of trust in the armed forces, a decline of 21 points since 2018. The survey also revealed partisan shifts over the past year: Democratic confidence fell by over 10 points, while Republican confidence rose similarly. Younger Americans tend to have lower trust levels, with 36% under 30 expressing high confidence compared to 60% of those over 65.

Partisan divides extend to Pentagon policies and deployment issues. While 59% disapprove of renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War, approval among Republicans is 58% versus 17% among Democrats. Opinions differ on using active-duty troops and National Guard units for border security or civil disturbances, with Republicans generally more supportive. The survey also revealed sharp partisan differences regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the military.

Support for NATO reached historic highs in the survey, with 68% viewing the alliance favorably, including 80% of Democrats and 60% of Republicans. Seventy-six percent back a U.S. military response if a NATO ally were attacked, and approval for invoking NATOs Article V rose 5% since June 2025. Roger Zakheim, director of the Reagan Institute, noted that bipartisan support for NATO remains strong, influenced in part by Trump-era policies.

Ukraine continues to receive robust U.S. support, with 62% of Americans, including a majority of both Republicans and Democrats, favoring its victory over Russian aggression. The survey also indicates bipartisan agreement on maintaining Ukraines full territorial sovereignty. Support for sending advanced weapons, including long-range cruise missiles and American-made arms to European allies for transfer to Ukraine, remains high, reflecting broad public backing for continued U.S. assistance.

Author: Benjamin Carter