Most Americans Oppose Using Military for Domestic Issues, Survey Finds
A new survey reveals that a majority of Americans believe the U.S. government should reserve deployment of armed troops for external threats, as debate continues over the use of National Guard troops in American cities.
The survey, conducted by Reuters/Ipsos and released today, found that 58% of Americans believe the president should only deploy armed forces in response to external threats. Twenty-five percent believe the military could be used for other purposes, while 18% remain unsure. Notably, 72% of Democrats agreed with this sentiment, compared to 51% of Republicans and 53% of respondents with other political affiliations. The findings come amid heightened tensions surrounding the deployment of armed National Guard troops to cities like Portland, Baltimore, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
The survey also indicated that only 37% of Americans believe the president should be able to send troops into a state even if the governor objects, with 48% disagreeing and 15% unsure. A significant partisan divide exists on this issue, with 70% of Republicans supporting such deployments versus only 13% of Democrats. A strong consensus emerged regarding the military’s role in politics, with 83% of all Americans agreeing that the U.S. military should remain politically neutral – a principle supported by 78% of Republicans, 93% of Democrats, and 80% of other respondents. For more information on the Posse Comitatus Act, which limits the use of the military for domestic law enforcement, see the Department of Justice website.
Yesterday, former President Trump called for the jailing of Chicago’s mayor, Brandon Johnson, and Illinois’s governor, JB Pritzker, as armed National Guard troops arrived in the Chicago area under his orders, accusing them of failing to protect Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. Both leaders have resisted the deployments, with Johnson stating, “I’m not going anywhere,” and Pritzker declaring, “I will not back down.” This situation highlights the ongoing friction between federal authority and state governance, a dynamic that could reshape the relationship between the military and civilian populations. A federal judge blocked a similar deployment to Portland, Oregon, last month, after Trump threatened to use “full force” in the city. You can find more details on the legal challenges to these deployments here.
Officials stated they are continuing to assess the situation in Chicago and will respond to any further legal challenges as they arise.
