A greater percentage of military members approve of President Trump than the percentage of the American public, according to a Military Times poll.The poll found 44% of troops surveyed have a favorable view of Trump, with 40% disapproving of him; most opinion polls show Trump with less than 40% of the public approving of him and as much as 56% of the public disapproving of him. Trump’s numbers have dipped slightly since just before his election, when 46% of troops approved of him.
There is a disparity between troops and officers in their perspective on Trump; while Trump is especially popular among enlisted troops, officers have a much lower opinion of him. 48% of enlisted troops approve of Trump, but only 30% of officers approve of him, while 53% disapprove.
There is a gender gap regarding approval of Trump; 47% of men approved of him but only 32% of women felt the same.
55% of all troops approved of Trump’s military policies; 26% disapproved. Trump’s greatest support came from the Marines, of whom 59% approved of him; 46% of the Army, 40% of the Navy, and 38% of the Air Force troops approved of him.
The Marines’ support of Trump may stem from their unwavering support of someone else: Defense Secretary James Mattis. Retired Marine Maj. Ross Schellhaas, commenting on the Marines’ support for Trump, stated, “That’s the Mattis effect.” 84% of troops said they had a favorable view of Mattis.