Survey: Less than Half of Americans Have High Confidence in Military

Only 48 percent of Americans have a great deal of trust and confidence in the military, according to the 2022 Reagan National Defense Survey.

The survey showed that 62 percent of respondents said military leadership was becoming overly politicized, nearly 60 percent said the performance and competence of presidents as commanders-in-chief decreased their confidence in the military, and 55 percent cited the performance and competence of the military’s civilian leadership.

The survey also found that only 13 percent of 18-to-19-year-olds are highly willing to join the military, while 25 percent were somewhat willing, 20 percent are not very willing, and 26 percent are not willing at all.

The survey found that 33 percent believe America cannot afford to spend more on the conflict, including 19 percent of Democrats and 41 percent of Republicans.

The survey showed that 75 percent of Americans now see China as an enemy, up from 65 percent in 2021, but only 27 percent said the U.S.

The survey said a large majority of Americans (70 percent) are concerned about the threat of China invading Taiwan in the next five years and that there is bipartisan support for efforts to deter an invasion and more arms sales to Taiwan.