A recent CBS News/YouGov survey reveals that a majority of Americans oppose potential US military action in Venezuela and believe US President Donald Trump has not adequately explained his administration's intentions regarding the issue.

The poll found strong bipartisan demand for clarity, with large majorities across party lines stating that the administration has failed to provide a clear rationale for any future intervention in Venezuela.

Despite reports of a US military buildup, only one in five Americans said they had heard much about it, a sign of the broader lack of communication from the White House.

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CBS Poll: Americans Oppose Military Action in Venezuela

Most Americans do not view Venezuela as a significant threat to the United States. The idea of military action garners little support, even among Republican voters. Three in four respondents said Trump would require congressional approval before launching any military action in Venezuela, including just over half of Republicans.

While MAGA Republicans showed more support for a possible intervention, non-MAGA conservatives were less inclined, reflecting a divide within Trump’s base on foreign policy priorities.

Lack of Clarity Fuels Disapproval

Support for the administration’s limited military operations, such as targeting boats suspected of drug trafficking, remains split. Although about half of respondents approve, particularly among Republicans, most Americans said they should be shown clear evidence before endorsing such actions.

Moreover, the public remains unconvinced that military action in Venezuela would reduce drug flow into the US, further diminishing support for escalation.

Trump’s Economic Messaging Faces Pushback

The CBS poll also showed a growing disconnect between how Americans perceive the economy and how Trump describes it. A majority believe the administration paints an overly positive picture, especially when it comes to inflation and rising prices.

This sentiment spans party lines, with even four in ten Republicans saying the president downplays economic difficulties. Independent voters and those who base their approval on economic performance rate Trump especially poorly in this area.

Inflation and Prices Remain Top Concern

As the holiday season approaches, most Americans report continued economic dissatisfaction, particularly with rising food and grocery costs, which many attribute to Trump’s policies.

The president’s approval ratings on economic handling have continued to decline throughout 2025, reaching new lows. More than two-thirds of Americans now disapprove of his handling of inflation.

Even among 2024 Trump voters, those who prioritize economic issues are more likely to express disapproval, contributing to a broader downward trend in his overall approval.

Deportation and Immigration Divide the Public

Trump's deportation program continues to polarize the country. While Republicans strongly support it, many outside the GOP base believe Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is detaining more people than necessary.

About a third of Americans, particularly those in urban and suburban areas, say the deportation program has negatively impacted their communities, with some reporting that residents are increasingly staying home out of fear.

Epstein Files: Americans Demand Transparency

Across party lines, there is overwhelming public support for releasing the Epstein files. Most Americans believe the documents will contain damaging information about powerful individuals, though many say it is still too early to determine what is true.

While Republicans are now more satisfied with how the Trump administration has handled the issue, especially following Trump’s public support for releasing the files, most other voters remain dissatisfied.

Nonetheless, two-thirds of Republicans say the Epstein matter does not influence how they evaluate the president. By contrast, independents and Democrats are more likely to factor it into their judgment.

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Survey Methodology

The CBS News/YouGov poll was conducted between November 19–21, 2025, with a nationally representative sample of 2,489 US adults. The survey was weighted to match national demographics and has a margin of error of ±2.4 percentage points.