American pride reaches record low amid partisan divides
- A recent Gallup poll revealed that only 58% of Americans feel extremely or very proud to be American, marking a decline from previous years.
- This drop is particularly pronounced among Democrats, whose pride has plummeted from 62% to 36%, contrasting with Republicans at 92%.
- Overall, the findings indicate a significant erosion of national pride influenced by partisan divides and generational shifts.
In June 2025, a Gallup poll revealed a significant decline in American national pride, with only 58% of U.S. adults indicating they are 'extremely' or 'very' proud to be American. This decline marks a notable trend from the post-9/11 era when pride levels surged to nearly 90%. Factors driving the decrease include partisan divisions, particularly among Democrats, whose pride dropped sharply from 62% to 36% in just one year. Meanwhile, Republican pride remains relatively high at 92%. Despite the polarization, the overall sentiment of pride in the U.S. continues to deteriorate. The release of this poll coincides with the Fourth of July holiday, traditionally a time for expressing patriotism and national pride. However, with this latest data, it seems the spirit of celebration may be dampened by a growing sense of dissatisfaction and division among the population. This sentiment is particularly pronounced among younger generations, notably Generation Z and millennials, who show far less pride compared to older generations. The figures reveal that only 41% of Generation Z feel strong patriotic sentiments, compared to generations like the Baby Boomers and Silent Generation, who reported pride levels above 75%. This erosion of national pride is primarily observed among Democrats and independents, indicating a stark ideological divide. In addition, feelings of economic pessimism, political dissatisfaction, and unfavorable perceptions of national leadership appear to be contributing factors. As partisan rancor continues under both the Trump and Biden administrations, widespread discontent around the country’s leadership affects pride levels. Notably, the poll highlights that independents have also seen a notable decline in pride, with only 53% reporting they feel proud to be American. Researchers speculate that the overall decline in national pride may stem from broad socio-political changes occurring over the past two decades. As younger generations take the stage, they are displaying different values and perceptions of patriotism compared to older Americans. As this trend persists, and if current conditions of dissatisfaction endure, America’s historical reputation for strong national pride may continue to fade. The findings suggest both a generational shift in patriotic sentiment and an indication that national unity may be waning as political polarization deepens.