Fact Check: "Only 32% of Americans support a proposed 500% tariff on Russian energy buyers."
What We Know
A recent YouGov poll indicated that 32% of Americans support a proposed 500% tariff on countries that continue to purchase Russian oil and gas. This survey was conducted between June 12-16, 2022, and revealed that support for the tariff was notably bipartisan, with a higher percentage of Republicans (41%) expressing strong support compared to Democrats (29%) who strongly supported the measure (YouGov). Overall, the poll showed that 24% of respondents strongly supported the sanctions, while 25% somewhat supported them, leading to a total of 49% in favor of sanctions against Russian energy buyers (Kyiv Independent).
Analysis
The claim that only 32% of Americans support the proposed 500% tariff is substantiated by multiple sources, including a detailed report from YouGov, which confirms the percentage of support for the tariff specifically (YouGov). The poll results indicate a clear division in public opinion along party lines, with Republicans showing more support for the tariff than Democrats. This aligns with the political landscape, where tariffs and sanctions often reflect broader partisan divides.
The reliability of the sources is strong, as the data comes from YouGov, a reputable polling organization known for its rigorous methodology. Additionally, the information was corroborated by reports from both the Kyiv Independent and Yahoo, which cited the same poll results (Kyiv Independent, Yahoo). The consistency across these sources lends credibility to the claim.
However, it is important to note that while 32% support the tariff, there is also a significant portion of the population (37%) that opposes it, with 31% remaining uncertain (YouGov). This indicates that while there is notable support for the tariff, it is not overwhelmingly popular, reflecting a nuanced public opinion landscape regarding sanctions on Russian energy.
Conclusion
The claim that only 32% of Americans support a proposed 500% tariff on Russian energy buyers is True. The polling data supports this assertion, showing that while there is bipartisan support for sanctions against Russian energy purchases, the specific 500% tariff has garnered a modest level of overall support among the American public.
