A new poll has revealed that a majority of Americans want the incoming Democratic-controlled US Congress to take steps to end the war on Iran and repeal tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, highlighting public pressure on lawmakers to address both foreign policy and economic concerns.
According to a Reuters/Ipsos survey released after last week's midterm elections, 71% of respondents supported legislation to end the war on Iran, which the United States and Israel launched in February. Support extended across party lines, with 93% of Democrats and 51% of Republicans backing such a move.
The findings come as Democrats prepare to take control of both chambers of Congress after securing their largest majorities since at least 2008. Their victory in the midterm elections dealt a setback to Trump's Republican Party, amid widespread concerns over the cost of living and opposition to the war.
The survey also found that 62% of Americans would support repealing tariffs introduced by the Trump administration on imported goods, suggesting that opposition to the president's economic policies extends beyond Democratic voters.
The war has contributed to a sharp rise in fuel prices, adding to inflationary pressures linked to the administration's tariffs. Washington has already acknowledged that it was dragged into the war by the Israeli regime; however, Trump continues to sell the aggression to the public as a measure to stop Iran's nuclear program.
He has also maintained that tariffs protect American industries by limiting competition from cheaper foreign products.
Democratic leaders have pledged to make economic concerns a central focus of their legislative agenda. They have also signaled their intention to challenge Trump's trade measures and push for an end to US involvement in the aggression.
The poll further indicates that Americans expect the new Congress to focus primarily on economic pressures rather than a broader range of policy issues.
Nearly nine in 10 respondents said reducing the cost of living should be among Congress's priorities during its first 100 days in office. Issues such as artificial intelligence regulation, immigration reform and climate change received comparatively less attention.
There was also considerable support for cooperation between the two branches of government. Large majorities of both Democrats and Republicans said Trump should make an effort to work with Democratic lawmakers, while also expecting congressional Democratic leaders to seek cooperation with the president.
Voters divided over impeachment
Despite their electoral gains, Democrats may face limits on how far they can go in using their new congressional majority to challenge Trump.
The survey found that 42% of Americans believe it would be bad for the country if the new Congress attempted to impeach the president, while 33% said such a move would be beneficial. The rest were undecided or declined to answer.
Democrats themselves remain divided over how aggressively to pursue Trump and members of his administration, including whether impeachment proceedings should be considered. They also have differing views on how to address rising healthcare costs.
Meanwhile, War Secretary Pete Hegseth is expected to face an impeachment vote in the House this week following an initiative by a Republican lawmaker.
Trump said after the election that he would "probably" get along with Democrats. However, his decision to promote controversial adviser Stephen Miller, who has described the Democratic Party as a domestic extremist group, to White House chief of staff has raised questions about the prospects for bipartisan cooperation.
Both parties face unfavorable public views
The survey also suggests that neither major party enjoys strong public support. Trump's approval rating stood at 32%, close to the lowest level of his political career.
Democrats received a favorable rating from 45% of respondents, while 51% viewed the party unfavorably. Republicans had an even lower favorable rating of 35%, with 60% expressing an unfavorable opinion.
On artificial intelligence regulation, 28% of respondents said Democrats had a better approach, compared with 20% who favored Republicans. The remainder were either undecided or believed neither party had a better position.
The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online among 1,705 adults nationwide over four days and completed on Monday. Its margin of error was approximately two percentage points. The new Congress is scheduled to begin its term on January 3.
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