Americans Want Trump To Explain His Actions on Venezuela

A significant portion of the U.S. public wants clarification on the country’s stance regarding Venezuela, a nation that most Americans do not view as a major threat to the United States. A survey conducted by YouGov and CBS News between November 19 and 21 asked U.S. adults about their views on the Trump administration’s recent military actions against Venezuela.

The results revealed that seven in ten Americans oppose U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, while only 30 percent expressed support. Furthermore, 82 percent of respondents agreed that U.S. President Donald Trump has a responsibility to explain any decisions regarding military action in Venezuela. Additionally, 76 percent said that Trump should seek approval from Congress before taking such action. Democrats were most likely to support Congressional approval , with 95 percent in agreement, compared to 80 percent of Independents and 53 percent of Republicans.

The survey also highlighted that most Americans feel the U.S. should provide clear evidence that the small boats it has attacked had drugs on them. Public opinion on the use of military force against these boats was more divided, with 53 percent approving and 47 percent disapproving. Fewer than four in ten respondents believed that military action would effectively reduce the flow of illegal drugs into the U.S. 

When asked about the level of threat posed by Venezuela, only 13 percent of Americans considered it a major threat to the U.S., while 48 percent saw it as a minor threat, and 39 percent believed it posed no threat at all.