Almost twice as many people trust U.S. military leaders to handle the North Korean threat responsibly than have confidence in President Trump on the issue, according to a new survey.

A Washington Post-ABC News poll finds 72 percent of respondents trust U.S. military leaders to deal with the North Korean threat responsibly.

But only 37 percent of respondents trust Trump "a great deal" or "a good amount" to handle North Korea.

ADVERTISEMENT

A majority of Americans is also against a preemptive strike on North Korea, according to the survey.

The poll finds 67 percent of respondents think the U.S. should launch a military strike only if North Korea first attacks the U.S. or its allies.

Just 23 percent think the U.S. should launch a military strike before North Korea can attack the U.S. or its allies.

The poll was conducted from Sept. 18 to 21 among 1,002 adults. The margin of error is 3.5 percent.

Last week, Trump threatened during his speech to the United Nations to use force against North Korea.

On Saturday, Trump issued a warning to North Korea's foreign minister after his speech to the United Nations.

"Just heard Foreign Minister of North Korea speak at U.N., Trump tweeted. "If he echoes thoughts of Little Rocket Man, they won't be around much longer!"

The comments came after the U.S. flew B-1B bombers and F-15 fighter jets in international airspace east of North Korea – the farthest north of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea that U.S. fighters or bombers have ever flown.