Trump vs. Harris: Foreign Policy Polling in Swing States

Recent surveys conducted by the Institute for Global Affairs reveal that while Harris holds a slight edge nationally, swing state voters favor Trump on critical foreign policy questions. For instance, 58% of respondents in these battleground states believe Trump is more likely to end the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and a similar percentage trusts him to respond effectively to potential Chinese aggression towards Taiwan. Additionally, Trump leads Harris on immigration policy, which remains a significant concern for voters. The polling results suggest that Harris’s foreign policy vision may lack clarity for many voters, contrasting with Trump’s more defined stance, potentially influencing voter sentiment as the election approaches.

Key Findings

• Swing State Preferences: Trump leads Harris 56% to 44% among swing state voters regarding who would better advance U.S. interests internationally.
• Specific Foreign Policy Issues: On the question of ending wars in Ukraine and Gaza, Trump is favored 58% to 42%. He also garners similar support on responding to a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan.
• Immigration Policy: Trump maintains a significant advantage over Harris, with 56% of swing state voters supporting his immigration stance compared to 44% for Harris.

National vs. Swing State Dynamics

Despite Harris’s national support on some foreign policy questions, including who would respond better to crises, these advantages do not translate into swing states where Trump has a clear lead. This disparity highlights the importance of regional perspectives in shaping voter opinions, particularly in battleground areas where foreign policy may not be the dominant issue but is still influential in the overall electoral landscape.