Poll: Only 38% Back Trump’s Use of Troops for DC Policing

Public support for deploying troops in Washington, D.C. is low. A new national poll shows most Americans oppose the move. The survey comes from Reuters and Ipsos. It highlights a deep political divide in the country.

President Donald Trump ordered the deployment earlier this month. He cited a need to address crime. The decision has sparked intense debate across the nation. The poll captures the mood of the American people.

Trump Troop Deployment Finds Limited National Backing

Just 38% of Americans support using troops for law enforcement. That is the finding of the new Reuters/Ipsos poll. Another 46% of respondents said they oppose the action. The remaining people were unsure or declined to answer.

Support is heavily divided along political lines. The poll shows a stark contrast between parties. Among Republicans, 76% support the National Guard deployment. Only 8% of Democrats back the decision. Political independents also lean against it. Just 28% of them are in favor.

The split mirrors President Trump’s overall approval rating. It currently stands at 40%. This is among the lowest measured levels of his administration. His popularity has declined since the start of his second term.

Context and Criticism Surrounding DC Security Measures

Hundreds of troops are now stationed in the capital. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized them to carry weapons. The deployment followed a declared crime emergency. President Trump has threatened similar actions in other cities.

Official crime statistics provide context for the decision. Violent crime in Washington has declined since a 2023 spike. But the city remains one of the more violent in the nation. The administration says the move is necessary for safety.

Local Democratic leaders strongly disagree. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser criticized the move. She called it politically motivated. Critics note troops are often seen in safer, tourist-heavy areas. They question the deployment’s effectiveness and purpose.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll gathered responses from 1,022 U.S. adults. It has a credibility interval of 3 percentage points. The poll was conducted over three days and concluded recently.

The new poll data underscores the controversial nature of the Trump troop deployment, revealing a nation split along familiar political lines.

Must Know (FAQ Section)

Q1: What percentage of Americans support Trump’s troop deployment?

According to the Reuters/Ipsos poll, only 38% of Americans support the deployment of National Guard troops for policing in Washington, D.C.

Q2: How do political parties view the deployment differently?

Support is highly partisan. The poll found 76% of Republicans support it, while only 8% of Democrats are in favor.

Q3: What was President Trump’s stated reason for the deployment?

President Trump declared a crime emergency in Washington, D.C., and stated the deployment was necessary to address violent crime in the district.

Q4: How reliable is this poll?

The Reuters/Ipsos poll is a respected national survey. It interviewed over 1,000 adults and has a margin of error of 3 percentage points.

Q5: Are the deployed troops armed?

Yes, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorized the National Guard troops stationed in Washington, D.C., to carry weapons.

References: This article is based on reporting and data from a Reuters/Ipsos poll.

Disclaimer: This article presents factual data from a publicly released opinion poll. The interpretations of the data are presented in a neutral, journalistic context.