In a revealing segment on CNN, political analyst Harry Enten highlighted a striking contrast in American public opinion regarding the handling of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, comparing the approval ratings of Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden. Despite the mainstream media’s often dramatic portrayal of Trump’s actions and rhetoric with regards to the war since resuming office, the data suggests that Americans overwhelmingly prefer his approach over Biden’s.
“Back in 2024, Biden was 22 points underwater on his handling of the war—holy cow! You look at Donald Trump, and it’s just a different planet entirely. He’s at plus two!” Enten exclaimed.
A little bit of a reality check for some:
— (((Harry Enten))) (@ForecasterEnten) March 3, 2025
-Trump's net approval on Russia/Ukraine (+2) is far more positive than Biden's was by the end (-22).
-The share (31% to 50%) who want a compromise in the war is way up
-The share who say Russia is an enemy is way down (64% to 34%). pic.twitter.com/z6k0x6A1yn
The CBS News/YouGov poll cited during the segment, conducted between February 26 and 28, revealed that Trump has won the confidence of Americans, with his approval rating surpassing Biden’s by a significant margin. Enten pointed out that at this point, Americans seem to be giving Trump the benefit of the doubt on the issue, waiting to see how his more isolationist approach turns out.
One of the most telling findings of the survey was the growing trend among Americans towards seeking a quicker end to the war, even if it means Russia retains some of the territories it has captured. “Want a quick end to the war, but Russia keeps its captured land,” a sentiment now held by 50% of Americans, was up from just 31% in August 2022. Meanwhile, support for Ukraine’s right to continue fighting, even if it prolongs the conflict, stands at 48%, reflecting a sharp decline in enthusiasm for a protracted war.
This shift in public opinion aligns with Trump’s broader foreign policy message, which has generally favored diplomatic and negotiated solutions over continued military engagement. Trump’s strategy has resonated with a majority of Americans who are weary of prolonged foreign conflicts and are increasingly open to compromise in order to bring an end to the war.
Enten further noted a significant shift in American views on Russia, revealing that the percentage of Americans who consider Russia an enemy has dropped dramatically from 64% in 2023 to just 34% in the latest poll.
“Americans are moving closer and closer to wanting a compromise, even if it means that Ukraine doesn’t really get what it set out to want, at least at the beginning of this war,” Enten explained.
Despite the mainstream media’s hysteria surrounding Trump’s comments and actions regarding the war, the data reflects that many Americans are increasingly skeptical of Biden’s strategy. The growing frustration with the prolonged conflict has led many to gravitate toward Trump’s call for a more pragmatic approach, one that places greater emphasis on securing peace and reducing further loss of life and resources.
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