In contrast to these findings, more respondents favored increased military spending than those favoring spending the same or those that favored spending less.
With Russian-U.S. relations becoming more contentious over the last 8 years, and the potential to reset relations under President-Elect Donald Trump, voters seemed hesitant to view Russia as a potential partner. When asked to choose between approaching Russia as a partner or adversary 17% felt that Russia should be viewed as a partner, 33% viewed Russia as an adversary, and 38% said both.
When it comes to making military decisions, Americans want more oversight and caution from Washington, with 39% saying that “a president who does not get congressional approval before committing the United States to military action abroad” should be impeached.
Respondents were also largely in favor of keeping troops at home and reducing U.S. military presence abroad. Those that desire increased foreign presence were solidly in the minority.
Many Americans felt that foreign countries were not pulling their weight, with a plurality (41%) stating that President-Elect Trump should encourage NATO countries to increase defense spending, and 49% believing that the U.S. should either renegotiate or walk away from the recent Iran deal.
