For years, Europeans have asked a version of the same question: Will the United States remain committed to NATO? Sharp rhetoric about allies and their willingness to more equitably share the burden of defense spending has raised doubts about the future of the transatlantic relationship itself.Yet the latest Reagan Institute Summer Survey suggests that reports of NATO’s demise in American politics are greatly exaggerated.This nationwide U.S.
public opinion poll, conducted in the weeks leading up to the 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara, reveals a broad and resilient base of support for the alliance among the American people — including many who are often assumed to be skeptical of U.S.engagement abroad.This headline finding should reassure allies across Europe: 73 percent of Americans believe that keeping the United States in NATO matters to America’s security and prosperity.
That includes a majority of both Democrats and Republicans.It also includes 61 percent of self-identified MAGA Republicans, a constituency frequently portrayed as opposed to America's traditional alliances.MOST TRUMP SUPPORTERS STILL BACK NATO DESPITE YEARS OF TRUMP'S CRITICISM, NEW POLL FINDSNATO’s collective defense principle is also popular, as 72 percent of Americans say they would support the United States responding with military force if a NATO ally was attacked.
Among MAGA Republicans, 69 percent support this core Article 5 commitment.These numbers tell an important story.Americans understand that NATO is not charity or a favor the United States does for Europe.
It is a strategic alliance that advances American interests by deterring adversaries, protecting security, and ensuring that the United States does not face global threats alone.At the same time, the survey also highlights a reality that European leaders should not ignore: support for NATO is not uniform across the American political landscape.Overall, 55 percent of Americans oppose withdrawing the United States from the al...