A new Reuters/Ipsos poll released on October 8 reveals that a majority of Americans believe the U.S. military should only be deployed against foreign threats — not used for domestic law enforcement. According to the survey, 58% of respondents said the president should send armed troops only to confront external enemies.
The poll also highlights a sharp partisan divide: 70% of Democrats and 50% of Republicans said they oppose using the military for domestic policing purposes. The results underscore an ongoing national debate over the proper role of the armed forces within the country’s borders as security challenges and civil unrest continue to test federal authority.