A shocking new poll reveals that nearly three in ten Americans now believe political violence may be necessary to fix our nation’s problems—a dangerous erosion of constitutional principles that threatens the very foundation of our democratic republic.

Alarming Shift in American Values

Recent polling data exposes a troubling transformation in American attitudes toward political violence. While over 90% of Americans continue rejecting election-related violence across party lines, the emergence of a substantial minority willing to embrace violence represents a direct assault on constitutional governance. This shift coincides with unprecedented political polarization and institutional distrust that threatens the peaceful transfer of power our founders established. The normalization of violence as a political tool undermines the rule of law that separates America from failed states worldwide.

Rising Threat Perception Fuels Division

States United’s June 2025 survey reveals that 57% of Americans now consider political violence a major problem, with 78% believing it has increased—reaching the highest levels recorded in two years. The data shows 40% of Americans believe members of opposing political parties are actively committing violent acts, creating a climate of fear and mistrust. This perception gap drives defensive thinking where citizens justify potential violence as protection against perceived threats from political opponents. Such attitudes create fertile ground for actual violence when combined with inflammatory rhetoric from political leaders and media figures.

Historical Context and Current Dangers

America has weathered political violence before—from the Civil War through domestic terrorism incidents like the Oklahoma City bombing. However, today’s environment combines unprecedented polarization with social media amplification of extremist messaging and widespread institutional distrust. The January 6, 2021 Capitol attack demonstrated how organized political violence could target democratic institutions directly. Recent incidents like the Minnesota shootings have further heightened public anxiety about political violence becoming normalized. Unlike historical periods where violence came from fringe elements, current polling suggests mainstream acceptance is growing dangerously.

Constitutional Principles Under Attack

The Constitution establishes peaceful mechanisms for political change through elections, legislation, and judicial review—making violence antithetical to American governance. When citizens embrace violence as legitimate political action, they reject the founding principles that guarantee individual liberty and limited government. This trend particularly threatens Second Amendment rights, as political violence provides justification for expanded government surveillance and restrictions on lawful gun ownership. Conservative Americans must recognize that accepting political violence from any source ultimately empowers government overreach and undermines the constitutional protections we defend. Only through lawful political engagement can we preserve the republic our ancestors built.

Despite these concerning trends, the overwhelming majority of Americans across party lines continue rejecting political violence, particularly around elections. This bipartisan consensus provides hope that constitutional governance remains strong enough to resist extremist pressures. However, the growing minority acceptance demands immediate attention from political leaders, media figures, and civil society organizations committed to preserving democratic norms and constitutional principles for future generations.

Sources:

Americans Reject Political Violence – States United

U.S. Poll: Violence Needed – National Post