Recent polling from the Pew Research Center highlights significant veteran support for former President Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential election. The survey, conducted among 876 registered veteran voters, shows that Trump holds 61% support within this demographic, compared to Vice President Kamala Harris’ 37%. This clear lead underscores Trump’s ongoing appeal to veterans, a demographic that makes up about 6% of the U.S. population, according to 2022 Census data.
Key Reasons for Veteran Support
One key reason behind Trump’s strong support among veterans is his track record with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Darin Selnick, an Air Force veteran and founder of the Veterans 4 America First Institute, attributes Trump’s popularity to his policies like the Mission Act and Accountability Acts. These acts allowed veterans to seek private healthcare outside the VA and held VA employees accountable for performance, which many veterans view as crucial steps toward improving their care and support.
Selnick explained that Trump’s straightforward approach to veterans’ issues resonated widely, stating, “Veterans care about two things: results and their pensions.” The Veterans 4 America First Institute’s mission aligns with this focus, aiming to “preserve and expand the nation’s commitment” to veterans, active military members, and their families.
Historical Trends in Veteran Voting
Pew Research data from previous elections indicates a consistent preference among veterans for Trump. In 2020, 60% of veterans voted for Trump, compared to 39% for Joe Biden. The 2024 poll results also align closely with 2016, when Trump received 61% of the veteran vote against former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s 35%. This long-standing support appears rooted not only in Trump’s promises but also in his foreign policy actions, like the elimination of ISIS leaders and attempts to reinforce national security.
The chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal under President Biden, which led to the tragic deaths of 13 American service members, remains a sore point for many veterans and Gold Star families. Several families who lost loved ones in Afghanistan have publicly voiced their support for Trump, further solidifying his standing with the veteran community.
Call to Action for Veterans and Their Families
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Selnick emphasizes the importance of veterans and their supporters showing up at the polls. While veterans themselves represent a small portion of the U.S. population, their influence extends through family and friends who may be sympathetic to veteran issues and concerns. This influence can impact broader voting patterns, particularly in key swing states.
Selnick also encourages Americans to continue valuing veterans’ opinions beyond the election. With Veterans Day around the corner, he reminds people of the sacrifices veterans have made and urges them to recognize the importance of their perspectives on national issues. He stresses that honoring veterans’ service goes beyond Election Day and involves ongoing awareness and support for their needs and views.
In summary, veterans’ support for Trump in the 2024 election highlights the former president’s strong influence within this community. With significant backing from veteran-focused organizations, Trump’s campaign continues to appeal to voters by emphasizing veteran issues, national security, and his economic policies, creating a compelling argument that resonates with many in the veteran demographic.
