WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans may remain loyal to President Donald Trump through various controversies, but his recent push to assert U.S. control over Greenland has created ripples of discontent within his own party, according to a new AP-NORC poll.
The poll indicates that approximately 70% of American adults disapprove of Trump's handling of Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark. This disapproval is notable as it exceeds the general dissatisfaction with his foreign policy. Interestingly, around half of Republican respondents also express disapproval of Trump's attempts to claim Greenland under the guise of national security in the Arctic region.
This shift comes after Trump abandoned certain tariffs meant to pressure European countries in his favor and amidst ongoing discussions about potential intervention in relation to Greenland. Contrary to Trump’s assertions about the strategic necessity of the territory, the poll suggests that his handling of this issue might jeopardize his standing even among his most devoted supporters.
Trump's low ratings regarding Greenland stand out sharply against his higher approval ratings on other key issues such as the economy and immigration—where he enjoys about 80% approval from Republicans.
The poll, conducted from February 5-8, also showcases a stark generational divide among Republican voters. Roughly 60% of Republicans under 45 disapprove of Trump's Greenland maneuvers, contrasted with about 40% of older Republicans.
Even among supporters, the sentiment is mixed, with Texas resident Ayman Amir expressing opposition to the notion of using force to obtain Greenland. According to Amir, “We can’t take it by force. We don’t have a right to do that.”
As Trump continues to navigate foreign policy issues with controversial substance, the overall approval rating for his foreign policy remains steady at about 40%, suggesting that while he faces challenges, his core followers still uphold a degree of support. The situation surrounding Greenland, however, signals deeper fractures in the Republican party's unity regarding Trump's strategies.
