From Greenland to Venezuela: Trump’s 2026 Power Plays Divide America and Alarm Allies

As President Donald Trump’s second term intensifies, his foreign policy has pushed the United States into uncharted territory. Just weeks into 2026, the administration launched a dramatic military operation in Venezuela on January 3, capturing former President Nicolás Maduro and placing the country under interim U.S. oversight. The move triggered international condemnation and fierce domestic debate. At the same time, Trump has revived his push to acquire Greenland from Denmark, escalating the dispute with tariff threats against eight NATO allies on January 17. Together, these actions have raised concerns about alliance stability, military escalation, and economic fallout.

The administration frames both initiatives as essential to U.S. national security and access to strategic resources. However, they arrive amid broader economic strain caused by Trump’s tariff regime. Economists warn these policies could fuel inflation and slow growth, with the IMF projecting U.S. growth of just 3.1% this year.

Our latest poll shows strong resistance to Trump’s ambitions regarding Greenland. Only 29% approve of using federal funds to purchase the territory, while 71% disapprove. Opposition intensifies when military force is considered: just 13% approve, compared with 87% who oppose it. This reflects widespread unease following reports that Trump has not ruled out invasion.

Concerns extend beyond public opinion to perceived global consequences. If force were used, 41% believe it would project U.S. strength toward Russia and China, while 59% disagree. This aligns with Trump’s Arctic security rhetoric but clashes with NATO anxieties. European troop deployments to Greenland reportedly prompted Trump’s January 17 tariffs on Denmark, Norway, and other allies.

At the same time, 68% believe a military move could force the U.S. out of NATO, 53% think it would secure access to resources, and 68% predict it would increase global instability. Partisan divides are stark. Republicans largely see strength (72%) and are split on instability (48%). Democrats overwhelmingly reject the strength argument (82%) and warn of instability (86%). Younger voters are especially alarmed, with 78% predicting global instability, compared to 58% of seniors.

Gender and ideology also shape views. Men are more likely than women to expect resource gains, while liberals overwhelmingly anticipate NATO fallout (85%), compared with 45% of conservatives. These findings echo reports of protests in Greenland, where residents have condemned what they describe as U.S. “disrespect,” complicating Trump’s openly stated desire to acquire the island.

Public opinion on Trump’s handling of Venezuela is slightly less negative but remains deeply divided. Approval stands at 40%, with 60% disapproving, measured after the raid but before the announcement of full U.S. oversight.

A clear majority—69%—say congressional approval should be required for further military action. Looking ahead, 30% expect significant U.S. military involvement, 54% anticipate some involvement, and only 16% expect none.

Partisan divisions dominate again. Republicans approve of Trump’s handling at 82%, while Democrats approve at just 6%. Independents disapprove by a 68% margin. Demographic splits persist with men more supportive than women, seniors more supportive than younger voters, and conservatives far more approving than liberals. Racial differences are notable, with White respondents approving at higher rates than Black and Hispanic respondents.

These foreign policy moves are closely tied to Trump’s broader tariff strategy. The president has explicitly linked tariffs to opposition over Greenland, imposing levies that rise from 10% to 25% on allied nations. While the poll captures sentiment before the latest increases, economic concerns loom large. Analysts estimate existing tariffs could cost households up to $1,500 annually by 2026.

Public anxiety mirrors these warnings. A majority—53%—expect Trump’s policies to decrease global stability, compared with 33% who expect improvement. Once again, partisans diverge sharply: Republicans remain optimistic, while Democrats overwhelmingly predict decline.

Taken together, the poll paints a picture of a presidency sustained by strong support among Republicans, conservatives, and non-college-educated White voters, but increasingly isolated from much of the broader electorate. Women, younger Americans, minorities, and liberals view Trump’s foreign policy as reckless and destabilizing, particularly amid NATO strains and the growing entanglement in Venezuela.

Download the data tables for this poll.