A recent study has revealed that over 25% of Republicans and almost a third of Republicans with a favorable opinion of former President Donald Trump believe that political violence can be justified.

This research, conducted by the Public Religion Research Institute, a nonprofit organization, found that while only about 16% of Americans overall endorse political violence, the percentage is significantly higher among Republicans compared to Democrats.

The survey appears at a pivotal time, as it is the first presidential election since the violent January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol by rioters who aimed to overturn Trump’s loss to President Joe Biden. This follows a recent assassination attempt on Trump, where he was shot in the ear.

“This isn’t just a partisan problem,” remarked Robert Jones, president of the research organization. “It’s more of a Trump and MAGA issue, indicative of a Trumpian takeover of the Republican Party.”

Anna Kelly, a spokesperson for the Republican National Committee, defended the party, stating, “President Trump and Republicans advocate for safer communities and for keeping violent offenders off the streets.”

Connection Between Violence and Authoritarian Views

The findings indicate that 27% of Republicans and 32% of Trump-supporting Republicans agree with the notion that “patriots might need to resort to violence to save our country.” In contrast, only 10% of independents and 8% of Democrats share this sentiment.

Jones also linked these pro-violence sentiments to a propensity for authoritarianism. The study revealed that 67% of Republicans exhibited strong authoritarian traits, including 75% of Trump-supporting Republicans, compared to just 35% of independents and 28% of Democrats.

To assess authoritarian tendencies, the study asked participants whether they agreed with statements such as whether the nation should “follow authority’s directives and eliminate the ‘rotten apples,'” and if the U.S. needed “tough leaders to maintain order and stifle dissenting voices.”

“Even self-identified Republicans who are not supportive of Trump are much less inclined to harbor the authoritarian views associated with endorsing political violence,” Jones noted.

When it comes to political violence, the study found that 24% of Republicans and 27% of Trump-supporting Republicans believe that should the 2024 presidential election be marred by voter fraud, “ordinary citizens must ensure the rightful leader is installed, even if it necessitates violent actions.” This position is only supported by 15% of independents and 10% of Democrats.

Furthermore, there is notable support among Republicans for the idea of having armed citizens act as poll watchers to ensure the integrity of the presidential election — with 24% of Republicans and 28% of Trump-supporting Republicans in favor — while only 10% of independents and Democrats agree.

Historically, parties have trained and utilized poll watchers to oversee elections, but these individuals are typically unarmed. The Brennan Center for Justice at New York University has raised concerns that armed poll watching could become problematic, especially following reports in 2022 of armed individuals appearing at polling locations.

The Nation as a ‘Tinderbox’

Robert Pape, a University of Chicago professor who monitors sentiments toward political violence, mentioned that there has been a noticeable trend since 2021, with millions expressing support for using violence to achieve political aims.

“We have been a tinderbox of a country for years,” Pape cautioned, “and we are approaching what could be the most contentious and dangerous election of our lifetimes.”

In June, a poll by the University of Chicago found that 7% of American adults, including nearly 12% of Republicans, supported using force to restore Trump to the presidency. Conversely, 10% of Americans and about 12% of Democrats were in favor of using force to prevent Trump from regaining the presidency.

“The true threat may emerge on November 6,” Pape warned, “while many are absorbed with November 5, the real hazard could begin the day after, on November 6.”