NEW YORK — Recent polling has revealed increasing discontent among Republicans regarding President Donald Trump's controversial bid for control of Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark. According to an AP-NORC poll conducted Feb. 5-8, about 70% of U.S. adults disapprove of Trump's handling of the Greenland issue, indicating a significant vulnerability in his administration's support.
The survey signals a shake-up in the Republican base; while generally unwavering, around half of Republicans expressed disapproval of Trump's Greenland strategy. The disapproval is a marked contrast to higher approval ratings for his handling of other key issues like the economy and immigration, where nearly 80% of Republicans show support.
Trump has claimed Greenland is critical to U.S. national security amidst growing competition in the Arctic region from Russia and China. Nevertheless, this rationale has not resonated well with the public or his political allies, leading some to question the legitimacy of his approach.
The poll also highlights a generational divide: about 60% of Republicans under 45 disapprove of Trump's agenda for Greenland, while older Republicans are more divided, with only 40% showing discontent. This trend is concerning for Trump's administration, signaling that younger voters, a vital demographic for the party, are increasingly concerned about foreign policy strategies that appear aggressive or expansionist.
Amidst this mounting pushback, Trump's overall approval rating in foreign policy has maintained stability, with roughly 40% of adults supporting his broader foreign policy strategy. However, with Republicans largely split on Greenland, the president must navigate careful waters as he seeks to rally support within his party.
The poll provides a glimpse into the current sentiment regarding Trump's foreign policy moves and reflects differing priorities within the Republican Party as it approaches the 2024 election cycle.
