University of Chicago Survey: 44% of Democrats Say Violence Is Justified to Stop Trump

University of Chicago political scientist Robert Pape said a new Chicago Project on Security and Threats survey finds 25% of American adults — about 65 million people — support using violence to prevent President Trump from serving as president. Among self-identified Democrats, the figure is 44%. Pape discussed the results on podcaster Chris Williamson’s “Modern Wisdom” show. Newsmax reported the findings Sunday. The surveys are fielded with NORC at the University of Chicago using a nationally representative sample.

CPOST has run a series of those polls since 2021. Pape said support for force against Trump stood at 9% in earlier waves and 14% in September 2025 before rising to 25% in the latest reading. Of those who endorsed force to stop Trump, 55% associated it with lethal action, including assassination. The same research found 16% of Americans — about 40 million adults — support using the military to suppress Democratic protesters. Combined, Pape said the two camps represent roughly 100 million adults. He described the moment as an era of “violent populism” in which threats target leaders on both sides.

Pape warned the 2026 midterms could produce political violence not seen in decades. He said the highest-risk window may come after Election Day, during counting and certification that can run into January. He has previously told Newsmax that actors on the left are applying pressure in the run-up to the midterms. CPOST’s public archive lists national toplines through January 2026; Pape presented the 25% and 44% figures as the most recent wave. The surveys measure stated attitudes, not whether respondents plan or have taken violent acts. Most Americans in the same series still reject political violence.