America on Edge: New Poll Finds Majority Expect Surge in Political Violence — and 1 in 4 Say It’s Sometimes Justified

A POLITICO–Public First survey reveals deep anxiety about political violence as experts warn the U.S. has entered an era of “violent populism,” with growing acceptance of extremism across generations.

WASHINGTON | A chilling new POLITICO–Public First poll finds that a majority of Americans now believe political violence will increase, and more than half fear a political assassination within the next five years. The data paint a sobering picture of a nation gripped by distrust, division, and rising extremism — with 24 percent of Americans saying political violence is sometimes justified.

The survey underscores the degree to which recent attacks — from the 2024 attempts on Donald Trump’s life to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk earlier this year — have shaken public confidence in America’s ability to resolve political disputes peacefully.

According to the poll, 55 percent of Americans expect political violence to worsen, while 64 percent still insist it is never justified. Yet nearly a quarter of the country, particularly younger adults, now view violence as a legitimate response “in some cases.”