Poll Shows Americans Split When It Comes To Ukraine Aid Funds

A poll shows 45% of Americans say the U.S. government is spending too much on Ukraine aid to fight Russian forces.

The U.S. population is split into nearly equal halves regarding the country’s spending on Ukraine aid.

According to The Chicago Tribune, a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows 45% of Americans say the U.S. government is spending too much on Ukraine aid in the war against Russia. The number primarily reflecting the sentiments of Republicans is lower than it was last month in October 2023 (52%).

Precisely 59% of Republicans think the U.S. is overspending when it comes to aid for Ukraine. It reflects a decrease from October 2023, when 69% of Republicans shared the same sentiment. As far as Democrats are concerned, in October, President Biden proposed an emergency spending package — totaling $106 billion in emergency spending — with $61 billion divvied up for the war in Ukraine, the outlet noted.

The president’s request also includes monetary aid for Israel, other priorities in the Indo-Pacific region, and assistance at the southern border to manage migration, The Chicago Tribune reported.

Republicans opposing the Democratic president’s proposal have said that the country would fare better by spending the money on domestic problems like homelessness and healthcare for veterans.

“As President Biden has said, when aggressors don’t pay a price for their aggression, they’ll cause more chaos and death and destruction,” John Kirby, spokesman for the National Security Council, told the White House press briefing on Nov. 20. “They just keep on going, and the cost and the threats to America and to the world will keep rising.”

A smaller percentage of Americans said current spending is where it should be. According to the news outlet, the poll showed 38% or more than one-third of adults in the U.S. think spending is “about right.” Last month, the number was 31%.

About half of the public (48%) endorses providing weapons to Ukraine (57% among Democrats, 42% among Republicans). About 4 in 10 favor sending government funds directly to Ukraine (54% for Democrats, 24% for Republicans). Four in 10 U.S. adults say Ukraine is an ally that shares U.S. interests and values. That view is most common among Democrats (53%), who are much more likely than independents (28%), Republicans (29%), and Americans overall, who see Ukraine as a nation with similar values and needs.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin pledged that America would support Ukraine in its battle against Russian forces for “the long haul.” Austin made the remark on Nov. 20 during an unannounced visit to Kyiv, The Chicago Tribune reported.

The outlet also reported that the Biden administration warned that the availability of funds for aid in Ukraine is decreasing.