A little over six in ten Americans back using military force against suspected drug traffickers as DoD airstrikes continue around Latin America.

The Reagan National Defense Survey, conducted with roughly 2,500 adults, gauges national sentiment on security, the military, and geopolitics.

The findings show 62 percent approving of using the military to confront possible drug traffickers in Latin America and the Caribbean. This comes as the United States maintains a robust naval posture and a growing air campaign in the region.

By surveying the public while operations were intensifying, the poll captured a moment of heightened willingness to use force when national interests are at stake. The survey also notes that partisanship remains a driver on many issues, even as support for NATO and for defending Ukraine and Taiwan rises.

The nine strikes reported by the end of the period, followed by fifteen by the time the period closed, illustrate a reality Americans are responding to with patience and resolve. Since then, six more strikes have occurred, bringing the tally to eighty three fatalities tied to those operations.

A large naval armada and about fifteen thousand troops are deployed in the Caribbean region, underscoring the seriousness of the administration’s posture.

The Reagan survey also asks Americans to rate their confidence in public institutions. The U.S. military received the highest marks, with eighty two percent expressing at least some confidence. That benchmark stands in contrast to mixed views on other topics and reflects a long standing trust in the men and women who serve.

When it comes to changing the name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War, the survey shows less enthusiasm.

Only thirty six percent are in favor, while fifty nine percent disapprove. That result signals that while there is appetite for a tougher posture, calls for sweeping administrative reforms do not command broad support.

On domestic security matters, the poll reveals broad support for deploying National Guard troops to cities during major civil disturbances and to address violent crime. Sixty two percent of respondents favored taking such steps, signaling a readiness to use federal resources to restore order when cities feel overwhelmed.

Views on diversity and civil rights within the military show a more divided nation. About forty seven percent favor eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion programs, while forty eight percent oppose it. Half of those surveyed support reinstating restrictions on transgender military service, with forty five percent opposed.

Overall trust in the military remained steady at forty nine percent reporting high confidence, a figure that has hovered below the 2018 peak. Yet a productive trend emerges in public attitudes toward service, with fifty nine percent saying they would encourage friends or family to join the military, up from fifty one percent in the prior year.

Foreign policy attitudes are evolving as well. Support for arming Ukraine rose to sixty four percent, up from fifty five percent the previous year. Confidence in defending Taiwan also increased, and there was a parallel rise in support for strengthening NATO and its collective defense commitments.

Taken together, the data points to a public that favors a principled, forceful approach to national security. It also signals that voters want steady leadership that can balance tough action with a clear strategic vision.

Support for a robust alliance network, including NATO, remains strong, reflecting a desire for the United States to stand with allies in defense of democracies worldwide.

From a policy standpoint, the numbers align with a course of action advocated by President Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. They would emphasize clearly defined missions, decisive use of force when necessary, and a reinforced deterrent posture that makes adversaries think twice before challenging American interests.

At the same time, the data underscores the importance of responsible governance. Americans want to see a balanced approach that protects the homeland while maintaining the capacity to deter aggression abroad. This means sustaining a capable military, investing in readiness, and ensuring a steady supply of resources for ongoing operations.

The Reagan survey’s broad-based support for defense, coupled with its nuanced views on civil policy issues, suggests a moment when voters want strength without reckless overreach. It is a moment that calls for steady leadership, fidelity to allies, and a clear articulation of goals that protect Americans and advance peace through strength.

As the nation faces evolving threats, the public’s appetite for robust defense remains evident. The poll indicates that voters expect their leaders to prioritize safety, victory, and sovereignty above all else. In this climate, the case for a strong, principled national defense policy is becoming the mainstream consensus.