Results for:
US Foreign Policy

Americans Say the Iran War Is Bad for the United States

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Coauthors

But Republicans stand in stark contrast, favoring the Trump administration’s actions in Iran.

A man waves an Iranian flag under a billboard with graphic showing Strait of Hormuz and sewn lips of USPresident Donald Trump
Vahid Salemi / AP
Public Opinion

Americans Say US Tariffs on China Have Been Bad for Both Nations

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Craig Kafura

As Trump and Xi meet in Beijing, majorities say they would favor a deal that lowers tariffs in exchange for larger agricultural goods purchases by China.

China Shipping containers sit stacked up at the Long Beach Container Terminal
Damian Dovarganes / AP
Public Opinion

Elite Misperceptions in Foreign Policy

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Coauthors

An analysis of Council survey data reveals opinion leaders misperceive the public as more isolationist and inward-looking than it actually is.

Visitors are seen at the base of the Washington Monument
Rahmat Gul / AP
Public Opinion

In Tariffs Debate, Gen Z and Millennials Favor Lower Prices and More Choices

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Coauthors

Younger Americans see globalization and free trade not as threats to their jobs, but assets to improve their standard of living and reduce the cost of goods.

A person browses the grocery store
David Zalubowski / AP
Global Economy

Majority of Americans Say Congress' Approval Needed for US Strikes in Iran

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Coauthors

While few Americans want to see Iran develop a nuclear weapon, just half expressed support for US airstrikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities—and most believe direct military action would spark a broader regional war.

Plumes of smoke from two simultaneous strikes rise over Tehran, Iran
Mohsen Ganji / AP
US Foreign Policy

Americans See Congress as Weak on Foreign Policy Compared to the President

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Coauthors

Just three in 10 Americans see the division of foreign policy powers between Congress and the president as “about right.”

President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress
Jessica Koscielniak / Pool via AP
Public Opinion

Americans Oppose Ceding the Donbas to Russia Amid Push for Peace Deal

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Coauthors

They are also divided on the United States’ participation in Europe’s “Coalition of the Willing” to defend a ceasefire in Ukraine.

A Ukrainian soldier near the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine war
Iryna Rybakova / Ukraine's 93rd Mechanized Brigade via AP
Public Opinion

The Growing Partisan Divide on US Foreign Policy

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Coauthors

Results and analysis of the Council's 2025 annual survey of American views on foreign policy.

the 2025 Chicago Council Survey Annual Report on a beige background US Foreign Policy

Americans Oppose Using Military Force to Take Greenland

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Coauthors

Majorities also oppose using US troops to overthrow governments in Cuba or Colombia, occupy Venezuela, and gain access to the natural resources of other countries.

Houses covered by snow are seen on the coast of Greenland Public Opinion

Shared Confidence, Diverging Expectations in the Taiwan Strait

RESEARCH
Public Opinion Survey by Coauthors

Americans and Taiwanese see US power as superior to Beijing’s, and China’s rise as a major threat to both countries. Yet Americans remain more cautious about direct military involvement, even as both sides prefer maintaining the cross-strait status quo.

A Taiwanese military officer salutes to Taiwan's flag
Chiang Ying-ying / AP
Public Opinion