Bombshell CNN survey reveals deep divisions as majority fears Tehran will become MORE dangerous – with even some Republicans doubting President’s war strategy
Donald Trump’s dramatic decision to unleash America’s most powerful non-nuclear weapons on Iran’s underground atomic facilities has spectacularly backfired with voters, according to explosive new polling that shows most Americans believe the President has made them less safe.
The damning CNN/SSRS survey, conducted in the immediate aftermath of Saturday night’s unprecedented strikes, reveals that 56 percent of Americans disapprove of the military action – with strong opposition outpacing those who strongly support the move.
In a stunning rebuke to the Commander-in-Chief, nearly six in ten voters (58 percent) fear the strikes will make Iran MORE of a threat to the United States, compared to just 27 percent who believe Tehran will be weakened.
The poll numbers spell potential disaster for Trump, who dramatically announced from the White House that Iran’s nuclear facilities had been “completely and totally obliterated” after B-2 stealth bombers dropped massive 30,000-pound bunker busters on three key sites.
Even Republicans are wavering
Perhaps most worrying for the White House? The lukewarm support from Trump’s own base.
While 82 percent of Republicans backed the strikes, just 44 percent “strongly” approved – far below the 60 percent of Democrats who strongly disapproved. The tepid enthusiasm suggests even Trump’s most loyal supporters harbour doubts about dragging America into another Middle Eastern conflict.
Young Republicans proved particularly sceptical, with those under 45 showing significantly less enthusiasm than their older counterparts. Just 20 percent of younger GOP voters strongly backed the strikes, compared to 53 percent of older Republicans.
‘They didn’t even try diplomacy’
The survey also delivered a stinging verdict on Trump’s rush to military action, with just 32 percent believing the administration made enough effort at diplomacy before dropping bombs. Nearly four in ten (39 percent) said diplomatic channels weren’t properly exhausted.
Trust in Trump’s judgment on Iran appears shaky at best. A majority of 55 percent expressed little or no confidence in the President’s decision-making on military force in the region – a worrying sign as tensions continue to escalate.
The findings come as Iran demonstrated its willingness to retaliate, firing 14 missiles at America’s Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on Monday. While no casualties were reported – Tehran provided advance warning through diplomatic channels – the attack underscored the dangerous new phase of conflict Trump has unleashed.
Congress flexes its muscles
In a clear warning shot across Trump’s bow, an overwhelming 65 percent majority demanded the President seek Congressional approval before any further military action against Iran. The bipartisan nature of this demand – including 40 percent of Republicans – suggests Capitol Hill may move to rein in Trump’s war powers.
The poll revealed stark partisan divisions that mirror America’s fractured political landscape. Democrats disapproved by a crushing 88-12 margin, while independents – crucial swing voters – opposed the strikes 60-40.
Youth revolt against more war
Younger Americans proved the most sceptical demographic, with 68 percent of those under 35 opposing the military action. This generation, which came of age during the endless wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, appears to have little appetite for another Middle Eastern adventure.
Nearly half (45 percent) of young voters said they have “no trust at all” in Trump’s ability to make the right decisions about using force in Iran – a devastating assessment from America’s future.
The nuclear nightmare deepens
The strikes targeted Iran’s most fortified facilities at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, with the Pentagon confirming it deployed its entire arsenal of available bunker-busting bombs in what officials called “Operation Midnight Hammer.
Satellite imagery revealed massive craters at the sites, though experts warned the damage might only set back Iran’s nuclear programme by a year or two rather than eliminating it entirely.
Qatar’s fury at having its sovereign airspace violated by Iranian missiles adds another volatile element to an already combustible situation. The Gulf emirate condemned Tehran’s retaliation as a “flagrant violation” and reserved the right to respond.
No appetite for boots on the ground
If Trump harbours any thoughts of escalation, the American public has delivered a resounding “no.” Just 9 percent support sending ground troops to Iran, with even those who backed the airstrikes opposing boots on the ground by more than 2-to-1.
The poll, conducted Sunday and Monday with 1,030 adults via text message, captured public sentiment before Trump’s announcement of a tentative ceasefire Monday night. Whether that fragile peace holds may determine not just the fate of the Middle East, but Trump’s presidency itself.
As one senior White House official admitted privately: “The President rolled the dice on this one. The polling suggests he may have come up snake eyes.
