Fact Check: A growing number of Americans think political violence is acceptable

A Growing Number of Americans Think Political Violence is Acceptable

Introduction

The claim that "a growing number of Americans think political violence is acceptable" has gained traction in recent discussions surrounding the political climate in the United States, particularly as the 2024 presidential election approaches. Various surveys and studies have suggested that a significant portion of the American populace may endorse or be willing to engage in political violence. This article examines the available evidence surrounding this claim, analyzing the methodologies and reliability of the sources that report on this issue.

What We Know

1. Survey Findings: A 2023 survey conducted by the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) found that approximately 23% of Americans support political violence, marking a notable increase from previous years. This survey indicates that many respondents believe democracy is at risk, which may contribute to their acceptance of violence as a political tool 39.

2. Longitudinal Studies: Research from Ipsos KnowledgePanel shows that while there was a concerning prevalence of support for political violence in 2022, this support decreased in 2023. However, the overall trend still indicates a significant number of individuals willing to engage in or accept political violence 26.

3. Demographic Insights: The PRRI survey highlights that support for political violence is particularly pronounced among certain demographic groups, including white Christian Americans and those who believe the 2020 election was stolen from Donald Trump, with support levels reaching as high as 46% in this latter group 89.

4. Contextual Background: The rise in acceptance of political violence is often linked to increasing political polarization in the U.S. Many experts argue that this polarization creates an environment where individuals feel justified in resorting to violence to achieve political ends 710.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim that a growing number of Americans find political violence acceptable comes from multiple surveys, each with varying methodologies and potential biases:

• Source Credibility: The PRRI survey is conducted by a reputable organization known for its research on social and political issues. However, as with any survey, the framing of questions and the demographic representation of respondents can influence results. The PRRI's focus on religious and racial demographics may introduce bias, as it could reflect specific ideological leanings rather than a broader national sentiment 39.

• Longitudinal Data: The Ipsos KnowledgePanel study provides valuable longitudinal data, allowing for a comparison of attitudes over time. However, the decrease in support for political violence in 2023 compared to 2022 raises questions about the stability of these attitudes. It would be beneficial to understand the factors contributing to this fluctuation, such as major political events or shifts in public discourse 26.

• Conflicting Views: While some sources report an increase in support for political violence, others indicate a decrease or a more nuanced understanding of the issue. For instance, the findings from the Johns Hopkins report suggest that while there is a growing acceptance of political violence, the overall trend may not be as straightforward as it appears 45. This discrepancy highlights the need for careful interpretation of survey data.

• Methodological Concerns: Many surveys rely on self-reported data, which can be influenced by social desirability bias. Respondents may underreport support for violence due to societal norms against such views or may overreport due to a desire to align with perceived group norms. Understanding the methodology behind these surveys is crucial for assessing the validity of their findings 16.

Conclusion

Verdict: Mostly True

The evidence indicates that a significant portion of Americans, as reflected in various surveys, appears to accept political violence as a legitimate means of expressing political dissent. The PRRI survey suggests that approximately 23% of Americans support political violence, with certain demographic groups showing even higher levels of acceptance. However, the Ipsos KnowledgePanel study reveals a decrease in support from 2022 to 2023, suggesting that attitudes may fluctuate over time.

This verdict is nuanced by the recognition that while there is a notable trend toward acceptance of political violence, the data is not uniform and is subject to methodological limitations. Variations in survey design, potential biases in respondent demographics, and the influence of social desirability on self-reported attitudes all contribute to uncertainty in the findings.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate this information and consider the broader context of political discourse in the United States, as well as the implications of these attitudes on democratic processes.

Sources

1. Wintemute, G. J. (2024). Findings from a 2023 nationally representative survey. Retrieved from PMC
2. Trends in views of democracy and society and support for political violence. Retrieved from PubMed
3. NPR. (2023). 23% of Americans support political violence ahead of the 2024 election. Retrieved from NPR
4. Johns Hopkins University. (2023). Assessing the Effect of Political Violence on American Democracy. Retrieved from SNF Agora
5. University of Chicago CPOST. (2023). New Insight into Support for Political Violence. Retrieved from CPOST
6. Single-year change in views of democracy and society and support for political violence. Retrieved from UCDavis
7. NPR. (2023). More Americans say they support political violence ahead of the 2024 election. Retrieved from NPR
8. Axios. (2023). Support for political violence jumps in U.S., survey says. Retrieved from Axios
9. PRRI. (2023). 2023 PRRI American Values Survey. Retrieved from PRRI
10. Scientific American. (2025). Rising Acceptance of Political Violence Promises Nothing Good for the U.S. Retrieved from Scientific American