Poll Finds 71% of Americans Want Incoming Congress to End US War With Iran

A decisive majority of the American public wants the incoming Democratic-controlled Congress to pass legislation ending the ongoing war with Iran. A new Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 71% of respondents favor a congressional mandate to halt the conflict, which began in February.[4][5]

The findings underscore mounting domestic pressure to resolve a military campaign that has disrupted global energy markets and driven up domestic fuel prices. The survey, conducted online between November 6 and November 9 among 1,705 adults, reveals that opposition to the war crosses partisan lines.[4]

While 93% of Democrats support ending the conflict, a narrow majority of Republicans—51%—also back legislative action to stop the fighting. The results arrive just days after midterm elections handed Democrats their largest congressional majorities since 2008.[4][5]

President Donald Trump has consistently defended the military campaign, which the United States launched alongside Israel, as a necessary measure to prevent Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. However, the prolonged engagement has exacerbated inflationary pressures at home.[4]

Nine in ten respondents indicated that addressing the high cost of living must be the primary focus for lawmakers during their first 100 days in office. The economic strain appears to be shaping the electorate's mandate for the incoming legislature, which will be sworn in on January 3.[4][5]

Economic priorities and trade policy

Beyond the military conflict, the poll highlights significant public opposition to the administration's current trade policies. Approximately 62% of Americans said they would support an effort to repeal the import tariffs implemented by the Trump administration.[2][4]

That figure includes overwhelming support from the political opposition, with 93% of Democrats favoring a repeal. Republican support for rolling back the tariffs sits much lower at 32%, reflecting a persistent partisan divide on trade economics.[4]

The president has maintained that these tariffs are essential to protect American industry from inexpensive foreign imports. Yet, the combination of trade barriers and wartime energy shocks has created a compounding economic burden for consumers.[4]

"The war with Iran has pushed fuel prices sharply higher, adding to inflation already stoked by the new taxes Trump placed on hundreds of imported goods," Defense News reported. Democratic Party leaders have pledged to tackle these cost-of-living concerns directly.[5]

Partisan favorability and impeachment

Despite the clear mandate on economic and foreign policy, the electorate remains cautious about aggressive partisan investigations. The poll found that 42% of Americans believe it would be "bad for the country" if the new Congress attempted to impeach the president.[4]

Only 33% of respondents said they would view impeachment proceedings as a positive development, while the remainder were unsure. This hesitation reflects a broader public desire for bipartisan cooperation in an otherwise deeply divided political climate.[4]

According to the survey, 81% of respondents said it is important for the president to make an effort to work with Democratic leaders. Similarly, 74% emphasized that Democratic leadership must make a reciprocal effort to collaborate with the White House.[4]

The midterm results and the polling data suggest a repudiation of recent administration policies, but they do not translate into overwhelming popularity for the opposition. The Democratic Party currently holds a 45% favorability rating, with 51% of Americans viewing the party unfavorably.[4]

The Republican Party fares worse in the public eye, with 35% viewing it favorably and 60% holding a negative opinion. The president's own approval rating remains near the lowest point of his political career, standing at 32% in the latest survey.[4]

The legislative path forward

The incoming Congress will not be the first to attempt to curtail the military campaign. In July 2026, the Republican-led House of Representatives passed a war powers resolution directing the president to halt military action against Iran without congressional approval.[4]

That measure, introduced by Representative Pramila Jayapal, passed 214-208 with the support of four Republicans, though it was ultimately blocked in the Senate. The conflict has continued unabated, shifting the burden to the incoming Democratic majorities to find a binding mechanism.[4]

"This is not a partisan issue. Vast majorities of Americans, of all parties, believe that this is an unconstitutional and illegal war that needs to stop," Jayapal told reporters following the July vote, citing the rising civilian toll and fuel costs.[4]

The economic stakes of the conflict remain particularly high in the energy sector. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil shipments, has seen repeated disruptions and military clashes since the war began.[4]

AI

These supply chain bottlenecks have directly translated into the soaring fuel prices that are currently straining American households. Voters expressed significantly less urgency regarding other high-profile legislative issues, prioritizing immediate financial relief and military de-escalation.[4][5]

The poll noted that smaller shares of the public want Congress to prioritize artificial intelligence regulation, immigration reform, or climate change during its initial months. The overwhelming focus remains tethered to the cost of living.[4]

As the January 3 transition approaches, the legislative mechanics of ending the war remain complex. A congressional mandate would likely face a presidential veto, requiring a difficult two-thirds supermajority in both chambers to successfully override the executive branch.[4]

While the poll indicates that half of Republican voters support ending the war, it remains uncertain whether Republican lawmakers will break ranks in sufficient numbers to challenge the commander-in-chief. The polling data provides a clear roadmap of voter expectations, establishing the baseline for the new legislative session.[4]