A new Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll, conducted August 20–21, 2025 among 2,025 registered voters, paints a nuanced picture of public reaction to President Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to Washington, D.C.—and its impact on his approval rating.

The results scrolled across cable news: “54% SUPPORT TRUMP’S D.C. NATIONAL GUARD DEPLOYMENT.” In living rooms from Arizona to Maine, residents debated. Some cheered, believing that Trump’s hands-on approach was overdue. On talk radio, callers said the chaos of modern cities called for a firm hand. Even among Democrats, nearly one in three said, “He’s right—something has to be done.”

President Trump’s approval has stabilized at 47%, up 3 points over the previous month, with the poll noting especially strong numbers among Republicans, men, white voters, those ages 25–44, and rural residents. On the specific issue of crime, 54% of all voters say Trump’s actions in D.C.—including the deployment of the National Guard—are “justified and necessary.”

Who Supported the National Guard Move?

• By Party:

  • 85% of Republicans supported the National Guard deployment.

  • 47% of Independents backed the measure.

  • 28% of Democrats approved of the action.

• By Perception of Safety:

  • 56% viewed large American cities as unsafe—sentiment strongest for New York (63%) and Los Angeles (62%).

  • 51% believed the National Guard would make D.C. safer.

• By Action:

  • 54% also supported Trump’s declaration of a crime emergency in D.C.

  • 50% approved federalizing the city’s police force, while only 47% approved of Trump taking over local police with presidential authority.