By Michael Katz | Wednesday, 05 November 2025 09:58 PM EST
A Gallup poll released Wednesday reveals that more Americans believe the federal government is making progress in the war on illegal drugs than at any time in 25 years, with 45% stating the nation has advanced in addressing the issue. This marks the highest level since 2000, according to the survey of 1,000 U.S. adults conducted Oct. 1-16, which carries a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.
The share of respondents who say the nation has lost ground fell to a record low of 23%, down from a peak of 52% in previous polls. Gallup analyst Justin McCarthy noted the shift from historic pessimism—previously a net negative of -28 in 1995—to current optimism, with a net positive of +22. This reflects a significant turnaround in public perception over three decades.
The Trump administration’s efforts against drug trafficking and cartels, including designating major Mexican and Latin American drug groups as foreign terrorist organizations and conducting military strikes on smuggling vessels, are cited as factors in the changing sentiment. A new national drug control strategy emphasizing interdiction, targeting precursor chemicals, and framing narcotics trafficking as a national security threat has also been highlighted.
Republican optimism surged, with 74% describing progress as “much” or “some,” up 62 points from 2023. Independent support rose 13 points, while Democratic views declined by 7 points. Republicans (51%) remain more likely than independents (34%) and Democrats (22%) to label the drug problem “extremely serious.”
Public backing for legal marijuana decreased slightly, with 64% supporting legalization—the lowest since 2019—but majorities of Democrats (85%) and independents (66%) continue to favor it. Republican support dropped 13 points, marking the lowest GOP endorsement in a decade.
Michael Katz is a Newsmax reporter with over 30 years of experience covering news, culture, and politics.
