As NATO leaders gather in The Hague for an important summit on June 24–25, 2025, a significant gap between Democrats and Republicans regarding America’s commitment to NATO has emerged, reaching record levels in polling conducted by the Chicago Council.
US President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte have urged European and Canadian leaders to allocate at least 5 percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) toward defense spending, stressing the need for allied nations to contribute more substantially to the alliance.
To date, most of the 32 NATO member countries have met the 2023 agreement of spending at least 2 percent of GDP on defense. They are edging closer to agreeing on the increased contribution levels this year. Rutte emphasized the importance of shared responsibility among allies, stating, “We all benefit from the protection our transatlantic alliance provides. And it is vital that every member of NATO pulls their weight. Because America has carried too much of the burden for too long.”
Public sentiment in the United States leans favorably toward NATO, with a recent joint poll conducted by the Chicago Council and Ipsos showing that a solid majority of Americans view US alliances as beneficial. This perception of benefit has increased, with 61 percent of Americans recognizing the advantages of these alliances, up from 51 percent in 2024. Additionally, 11 percent believe that alliances mostly benefit the United States, indicating a growing consensus on the value of international partnerships.
Support for NATO specifically remains strong, with approximately three in four Americans—74 percent—favoring the maintenance or increase of US commitments to the alliance. While this sentiment is shared across party lines, notable disparities are evident. An overwhelming 91 percent of Democrats support ongoing or increased commitments to NATO compared to only 59 percent of Republicans, marking an all-time high in the partisan gap since 1974.
Nearly 60 percent of Americans express the belief that NATO contributes to US safety, contrasting sharply with the 8 percent who feel it compromises safety. Interestingly, Republican support for such alliances appears to be influenced by a perception that aligns with domestic priorities, as only 38 percent of Republicans believe that the United States should navigate international decisions collectively with allies, especially if it necessitates compromises. In contrast, 60 percent of the overall population supports this collaborative approach.
This month is turning out to be critical for President Trump, with engagements including discussions with newly-elected German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and attending the G7 summit in Canada. These meetings coincide with the firmer stance Trump has taken on tariffs against allied nations, alongside efforts to strengthen ties with the Kremlin, which have led to strains in transatlantic relations.
Despite these political dynamics, everyday Americans hold a positive view of US alliances—not only perceiving their benefits to allies but also to the United States itself. Approximately 72 percent of the overall public assert that security alliances serve beneficial roles—61 percent supporting mutual benefits and 11 percent arguing they primarily benefit the US. This marked increase from last year’s 64 percent demonstrates a growing acknowledgment of the shared benefits of these alliances across political divides.
While the general view of alliances has improved, Trump’s skepticism towards NATO may be a key factor influencing Republican attitudes regarding the transatlantic alliance. Overall, a solid 74 percent of Americans advocate for the continuation or enhancement of US support for NATO, reminiscent of polling results from as far back as 2002.
Once again, Democrats have demonstrated their unwavering support for NATO, with 91 percent in favor of maintaining or increasing commitments. The sentiment among Independents remains robust at 70 percent, reflecting consistency in their views over the years.
Conversely, the percentage of Republicans in favor of ongoing engagement with NATO has hit a low point, at just 59 percent—a notable 9 percentage point dip from the previous year. This decline coupled with growing support from Democrats has widened the partisan gap on America’s NATO commitment to an unprecedented 32 points.
Concerns about Republican support for alliances in Europe have surfaced before; a 2023 Chicago Council survey revealed a decline in Republican belief that US security alliances in Europe primarily benefit the United States and its allies or benefit the US alone. This survey indicated a drop from 61 percent in 2019 to only 50 percent in 2023, highlighting a significant shift in Republican perspectives on European security.
The concept of NATO contributing positively to US security has been reinforced by past polling, which categorized maintaining existing alliances as a top foreign policy tool alongside US military superiority. An increasing majority, now 57 percent, affirm that cooperation between North American and European NATO members enhances the safety of the United States.
Among political factions, Democrats’ conviction that NATO collaboration strengthens US security has grown to 76 percent, a substantial increase from 65 percent in 2024. In comparison, awareness among Independents and Republicans has remained consistent, with 52 and 43 percent, respectively, maintaining similar sentiments. Notably, a decrease in the number of Republicans asserting that transatlantic cooperation makes the United States less safe has occurred, falling to 8 percent from a previously higher figure, illustrating a trend toward neutral perspectives on safety.
Meanwhile, the issue of aid to Ukraine presents a sharp divergence in Republican opinions compared to other Americans. Although majorities express continued support for economic (55 percent) and military assistance (52 percent) to Ukraine—dictated by a view of Russia as the aggressor—Republican patience with supplying aid appears to falter. Only three in ten Republicans back ongoing economic and military support for Ukraine, marking the lowest level of support observed in polls thus far.
Independent sentiment towards aiding Ukraine has remained steady, while support among Democrats has risen following the transition to Trump’s administration.
Overall, many American citizens believe that international decision-making should involve collective agreements with allies, even when it potentially requires compromising American positions. Around 60 percent of Americans endorse this notion, indicating a yearning for collaborative foreign policy approaches, despite marked differences with Republicans. Only 38 percent of Republican supporters are on board with this compromise approach, sampling a broader tendency among them towards skepticism of international cooperation and preference for unilateral action.
In conclusion, President Joe Biden’s administration has showcased NATO’s renewed unity and purpose, especially in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, while the Trump administration has projected a pivot away from traditional security partnerships in Europe. With upcoming engagements and shifting public sentiment, the future of NATO remains intricately linked to the evolving perceptions and attitudes within American political spheres.
image source from：globalaffairs
