Trump Holds Foreign Policy Edge Over Harris in Key Swing States, Poll Shows

As the 2024 presidential race intensifies, new polling indicates that former President Donald Trump holds a significant foreign policy advantage over Vice President Kamala Harris in several key swing states. Despite Harris leading in national polls on some issues, Trump's standing in battleground states suggests that voters in these regions see him as the stronger candidate when it comes to handling global affairs, which could prove pivotal in determining the election outcome.

A recent poll conducted by the Institute for Global Affairs and YouGov reveals that Trump leads Harris 53% to 47% in six crucial swing states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. The poll shows that while Harris has a national lead in foreign policy perceptions, Trump manages to flip that advantage in these battlegrounds. Voters in these states view him as better positioned to advance America's interests internationally​.

No one cares if Kamala regards herself as a “role model.”

She destroyed our border.
She destroyed our cost of living.
She destroyed our foreign policy.

She thinks she’s a Hollywood-starlet that can just run on vibes.

We need serious leadership.
And that leader is Donald Trump. pic.twitter.com/cS5krOAhTn

— Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) September 20, 2024

One key issue where Trump holds sway is the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Voters in these swing states are more confident in Trump's ability to end the war, with 58% believing he could successfully resolve the conflict compared to 42% who think Harris would. Similarly, on the question of who would respond more effectively if China were to attack Taiwan, Trump also leads Harris by the same margin of 58% to 42%. These results highlight Trump's appeal among voters concerned about America's role on the world stage.

The survey also found that Trump's foreign policy positions are seen as more favorable in the Rust Belt states of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, where he leads Harris 51% to 49%. Meanwhile, in the Sun Belt states of Arizona, Georgia, and Nevada, Trump's advantage stands at 52% to 48%. These regions are likely to play a decisive role in the upcoming election, as both candidates strive to win over voters who are crucial for securing the presidency​.

Trump was already POTUS.
Trump created a booming economy.
Trump created no new wars.

And Trump is addressing the issues that matter: inflation, border & foreign policy.

Meanwhile Kamala blatantly lies & focuses-on vague platitudes like "not going back" & "threats to democracy." pic.twitter.com/c4ZfyF9eyz

— Byron Donalds (@ByronDonalds) September 17, 2024

Despite Trump’s edge on foreign policy, Harris still leads nationally on other related issues. When voters were asked who would "pursue a foreign policy which benefits people like you," Harris led Trump 53% to 47%. She also maintained a slight national lead when voters were asked which candidate would improve America's international reputation, edging out Trump by 52% to 47%. However, these national figures are overshadowed by Trump's dominance in the critical battleground states.

The poll results come at a crucial time for both campaigns. Harris is working to broaden her appeal on foreign policy, while Trump capitalizes on his experience from his time in office, especially with voters who believe his foreign policy credentials remain stronger than those of his opponent. Trump’s tough rhetoric on China and his advocacy for reducing U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts have resonated with key voter demographics, particularly in areas that helped him win the 2016 election.

Notably, Trump’s foreign policy appeal extends beyond just these issues. Voters in these swing states also see him as more capable of effectively handling other global matters, including trade and immigration. His prior administration’s focus on renegotiating trade deals and securing the U.S. border continues to play well with swing-state voters who prioritize national security and economic sovereignty​.

These findings suggest that while Harris may have the upper hand in national polls on some foreign policy matters, Trump’s appeal in battleground states could be the determining factor in November’s election. With the race still neck-and-neck in several other policy areas, foreign policy may be a critical issue that helps swing voters choose their candidate.