NEW REAGAN INSTITUTE SURVEY: Americans Reject Isolationism, Embrace American Leadership and Economic Engagement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 22, 2025

NEW REAGAN INSTITUTE SURVEY: Americans Reject Isolationism, Embrace American Leadership and Economic Engagement

Majorities of Republicans and Democrats want to prevent a nuclear Iran, defend the NATO alliance, and pursue free market trade

WASHINGTON, DC – The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute today released results from its third annual Reagan Institute Summer Survey, a nationwide public opinion poll on foreign policy and national security issues. The survey reveals Americans increasingly support a strong U.S. role in global affairs—favoring engagement over isolation, free markets over protectionism, and a commitment to our allies in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.

The survey shows a sharp 24-point increase since 2022 in Americans who believe the United States should be more engaged and take the lead in international events, including majorities of Republicans (69 percent) and self-identified MAGA Republicans (73 percent). At the top of the list of geopolitical concerns is Iran, with a supermajority of Americans (84 percent) who want to prevent the Islamic Republic from obtaining nuclear weapons, and a plurality (45 percent) who support Israel conducting targeted airstrikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities. (The survey was conducted prior to the June 13 Israeli strikes on Iranian facilities.) Additionally, a bipartisan majority (71 percent) believes the security of Israel matters to U.S. security and prosperity.

“These results demonstrate Americans continue to believe in President Reagan’s vision of ‘peace through strength,’” said Roger Zakheim, Director of the Ronald Reagan Institute. “Across party lines, Americans see U.S. international leadership both as a strategic necessity and a moral obligation. They understand the United States cannot remain secure or prosperous by retreating from the world.”

Released during the week of the 76th NATO Summit in The Hague, the survey also shows support for the transatlantic alliance. A majority (55 percent) opposes withdrawal from NATO, 59 percent support increasing the U.S. troop presence in Eastern Europe, and 71 percent—including majorities of both parties—support using American military force to defend NATO allies if attacked.

A summary and the complete survey results can be found online at: https://reaganfoundation.org/summersurvey

Additional key takeaways from the 2025 survey include:

• Three-quarters (75 percent) say a war between China and Taiwan would matter to U.S. security and prosperity, and 70 percent would support the U.S. taking military action to defend Taiwan if China were to invade or blockade the island.

• There is strong bipartisan support for morality in foreign policy, with 83 percent saying the United States should stand up for human rights and democracy around the world. This includes 87 percent of Democrats and 81 percent of Republicans.

• A majority says American international engagement benefits both the U.S. (66 percent) and the world (67 percent), with 85 percent viewing a strong military as essential to peace and prosperity.

• Sixty-six percent of Americans support a free-market trade approach with temporary and selective tariffs, while only 20 percent back protectionism with broad, long-term tariffs. A majority (52 percent) believes tariffs on U.S. allies hurt American credibility and leadership.

• While a majority (53 percent) supports tariffs on China, that number flips to 53 percent opposed if it means higher consumer prices.

The survey was conducted between May 27 and June 2, 2025, by a bipartisan research team at Beacon Research and Shaw & Company Research. It is based on a sample size of 1,257 respondents reflecting the demographics of the country, including 478 live telephone interviews, split between cell phones and landlines, and 779 online surveys.

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The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute (RRPFI) is the sole nonprofit organization created by President Reagan charged with advancing his legacy and principles –individual liberty, economic opportunity, freedom and democracy, peace through strength, and national pride.

A globally recognized nonpartisan organization based in Simi Valley, CA, with a leading policy institute in Washington, DC, RRPFI delivers impactful public affairs programming, policy convenings and projects of national and international significance, and distinctive educational initiatives. In addition, RRPFI sustains the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, the largest and most visited presidential library, which routinely hosts major special exhibitions.

An hour from Los Angeles International Airport, RRPFI’s Simi Valley campus sits on 400 acres, serves as the final resting place of America’s 40th President and former First Lady Nancy Reagan, displays a chunk of the Berlin Wall, and houses the plane President Reagan flew on as Air Force One to 26 countries. Onsite are the Reagan Center for Public Affairs, Presidential Learning Center, Air Force One Pavilion, and the Reagan Leadership Academy.  More information is available at www.reaganfoundation.org.