Americans alarmed as democracy faces threats amid rising political violence

A growing majority of Americans believe democracy in the United States is at risk, with concerns about deep political divisions and escalating politically motivated violence, according to a new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll. The findings come as the nation grapples with recent high-profile attacks and aggressive policy moves under President Donald Trump’s second administration.

Rising concerns over violence and democracy

The poll, conducted in late June, found that 73% of respondents consider political violence a major problem in the U.S. This concern has been magnified by recent tragedies, including the fatal shootings of Democratic state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the wounding of Democratic state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. These attacks followed U.S. airstrikes on Iran, reflecting a turbulent political climate.

According to the survey, 75% of Americans see political divisiveness as a serious threat to democracy. This sentiment is shared across party lines, with 89% of Democrats, 80% of independents, and 57% of Republicans expressing concern. The rise in politically motivated violence has been dramatic, with Capitol Police reporting over 9,500 threats against members of Congress and their families in 2021, up from 3,939 in 2017. High-profile incidents include the 2022 attack on Paul Pelosi, the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and the 2017 shooting that injured Republican Rep. Steve Scalise.

Eroding confidence in political leadership

Americans’ trust in political leaders remains low. President Trump’s approval rating stands at 43%, with support sharply divided along party lines: 86% of Republicans approve of his performance, compared to just 11% of Democrats and 33% of independents. The Trump administration has faced criticism for policies that have reshaped the political landscape, including federal layoffs, tariff disputes, and moves to restrict transgender rights.

Democratic lawmakers fared worse, with only 27% of respondents approving of their performance, marking a seven-year low. Notably, even among Democrats, approval was tepid, with only 44% supporting their party’s efforts in Congress. Congressional Republicans, while receiving their highest approval rating since 2011, still garnered just 35% approval overall, buoyed by 73% support from Republican respondents.

Immigration divides the nation

The survey highlights sharp partisan divides over immigration. While two-thirds of Americans agree that openness to immigrants is integral to the nation’s identity, views diverge on deportations. A majority supports deporting undocumented immigrants convicted of violent crimes, but opinions split when it comes to nonviolent offenders or those working in agriculture and food industries. Republicans overwhelmingly back deportations in these scenarios, with 86% favoring the removal of nonviolent offenders, compared to 36% of Democrats and 57% of independents.

These findings coincide with the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies, which include plans for the largest deportation program in U.S. history, targeting undocumented immigrants and international students. Trump has also proposed ending birthright citizenship, further fueling the national debate. While 43% of Americans approve of his immigration policies, support remains heavily partisan, with 86% of Republicans expressing approval versus just 11% of Democrats.

Demographics most concerned about violence and democracy

Certain demographics are particularly alarmed by rising political violence. White women with college degrees reported the highest levels of concern, with 83% calling it a major issue. Baby Boomers, across racial and gender lines, closely followed at 82%. These groups also expressed heightened anxiety about threats to democracy, reflecting broader national fears about the country’s trajectory.

Americans demand accountability from leaders

The poll also revealed that a vast majority of Americans—83%—believe presidents must abide by federal court orders, underscoring the public’s demand for accountability. This follows incidents such as the Trump administration’s delay in complying with a Supreme Court ruling to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man wrongfully deported to El Salvador. Though Garcia was eventually brought back to the U.S. to face charges, the case raised concerns about executive overreach and potential constitutional crises.

As political tensions continue to escalate, the survey underscores the urgent need for bipartisan efforts to address violence, rebuild trust in democratic institutions, and bridge the nation’s divides.