Majority doubt Trump's judgment on foreign conflicts: AP poll

On the use of nuclear weapons, 59% had only a little/not at all trust in the president. 27% had a great deal/quite a bit and 13% had a moderate amount.

Published: February 26, 2026 10:05am

As the White House prepares for a possible war with Iran in the event that nuclear negotiations fail, a majority of the public lack confidence in President Donald Trump's decision-making on military strikes, a recent survey revealed.

On the use of military force outside the U.S., just 27% of U.S. adults said they had a "great deal" or "quite a bit" of confidence in Trump to make the right decision, according to the latest AP-NORC survey. 17% had a moderate amount of trust in Trump while 56% had "only a little" or "not at all."

On the use of nuclear weapons, 59% had only a little/not at all trust in the president. 27% had a great deal/quite a bit and 13% had a moderate amount.

The public does appear with him on concern over the Iranian nuclear program, however. 48% were extremely or very concerned that it presents a threat to the U.S. while 31% expressed moderate concern and 19% were not very or not at all concerned.

Conducted Feb. 19-23, the survey questioned 1,133 U.S. adults.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.

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