Americans Endorse Trump’s Military Buildup but Seek Stronger NATO Support, Poll Shows
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump’s recently unveiled National Security Strategy, branded as an “America First” approach, resonates strongly with the American public’s desire for a more powerful military to counter China’s growing influence. However, a new survey reveals that while the administration’s focus on military strength aligns with public opinion, many Americans favor greater support for NATO allies than the strategy explicitly advocates.
The strategy, released earlier this month, breaks from traditional elite-driven foreign policy documents by emphasizing the will of “We the People.” It critiques previous administrations for overextending U.S. commitments abroad and neglecting the instincts of ordinary citizens. According to the document, America must sustain “the world’s most powerful, lethal, and technologically advanced military” to deter adversaries and maintain global stability.
This stance finds broad public backing. The Reagan National Defense Survey, conducted just days before the strategy’s release, shows 87% of Americans believe it is important for the United States to have the strongest military worldwide. Furthermore, 71% agree that global peace is more likely when America leads from a position of unrivaled strength.
Central to the strategy are ambitious modernization efforts, including the development of a “Golden Dome” missile-defense shield and a “Golden Fleet” to counter China’s naval expansion. The survey indicates robust support for these initiatives, with 68% endorsing major investments in the missile-defense system. When informed that China can produce more than 200 ships for every one U.S. vessel, 88% of respondents said the United States needs increased manufacturing capacity, and 62% called for substantial expansion.
China’s rise dominates the strategy’s focus, which accuses previous U.S. administrations of enabling or ignoring Beijing’s strategic ambitions. The document calls for a “rebalancing” of the U.S. economic relationship with China to protect American interests. This hardline approach reflects widespread public concern about China’s economic and military growth.
Yet, the survey also uncovers a notable divergence from the administration’s approach regarding alliances. While the strategy prioritizes bilateral relationships and cautions against overcommitment, 65% of Americans express a desire for the United States to provide more support to NATO allies, signaling a preference for a united front against global threats.
Experts note that this tension between nationalist policy and alliance-building reflects evolving public attitudes shaped by recent geopolitical challenges. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization remains a cornerstone of transatlantic security, and many Americans see its strengthening as essential to countering adversaries like China and Russia.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has emphasized the importance of both military modernization and alliance cohesion in recent statements, aligning with public sentiment. The Department of Defense continues to invest in advanced technologies while engaging allies to address shared security concerns.
As the administration moves forward with its National Security Strategy, balancing the robust military buildup favored by the public with the nuanced demands of alliance politics will be critical. The American people appear ready to support a strong defense posture that not only counters China’s ambitions but also reinforces the international partnerships that underpin global stability.
For more information on the National Security Strategy and public opinion on defense, visit the White House National Security Council and the Reagan Foundation websites.
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