• Seventy percent of Americans oppose potential military action in Venezuela according to CBS survey
• Three-quarters say Trump administration needs congressional approval before taking action
• Only one in five Americans report hearing significant details about Caribbean military buildup

WASHINGTON, DC (TDR) — A CBS News/YouGov poll released Sunday shows 70 percent of Americans oppose potential U.S. military action in Venezuela, with large majorities across party lines stating the administration has not clearly explained its intentions.

The survey of 2,489 U.S. adults, conducted Nov. 19-21, found that 76 percent of respondents said the administration has not clearly explained the U.S. position on military action in Venezuela, while 24 percent said it had provided adequate explanation.

Congressional approval and threat assessment

Three-quarters of Americans indicated President Trump would need congressional approval before taking military action in Venezuela, including just over half of Republicans surveyed. Only one in five Americans reported hearing significant information about the U.S. military buildup in the region.

"Across party lines, big majorities say the administration needs to explain what the U.S. intends regarding any action, and that it has not done so clearly yet."

Most Americans do not consider Venezuela a major threat to the United States. According to the poll, 48 percent characterized it as a minor threat, 39 percent said it poses no threat, and 13 percent described it as a major threat.

Partisan divide on military intervention

Among Republicans who identify with the Make America Great Again movement, 66 percent support potential military action while 34 percent oppose it. Non-MAGA Republicans showed different views, with 53 percent opposing military action and 47 percent supporting it.

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The survey found limited support for current military operations targeting boats suspected of drug trafficking. Just over half of respondents approve of these strikes, driven primarily by Republican support. However, most Americans indicated they should see evidence before endorsing such actions.

Drug trafficking concerns and economic priorities

Fifty-six percent of respondents stated that U.S. military action in Venezuela would not change the amount of drugs entering the United States. Thirty-seven percent believed it would decrease drug flow, while 7 percent thought it would increase.

The poll also revealed a disconnect between administration messaging and public perception on economic issues. Sixty percent said Trump describes prices and inflation as better than they actually are, while 58 percent believe prices will continue rising.

Military deployment context

The USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group has entered the Caribbean region as part of what the Pentagon designated Operation Southern Spear. The deployment includes more than a dozen warships and 15,000 troops.

U.S. military strikes on vessels suspected of drug smuggling have targeted at least 22 boats since September, resulting in 83 deaths according to recent reports. The operations have drawn criticism from regional leaders, including Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who ordered his nation's security forces to suspend intelligence sharing with the United States.

The poll sample was weighted to be representative of adults nationwide according to gender, age, race, education and 2024 presidential vote.

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How should administrations communicate foreign policy intentions to ensure public understanding and support?

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