American National Pride Hits Lowest Level Since 2001

Recent polling from Gallup, Inc. and the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals that American national pride has dropped to its lowest levels since 2001. Gallup reports that only 53% of U.S. adults are extremely or very proud to be American, with the share of those feeling extremely proud falling to 33%. This represents an eight-percentage-point drop from the previous year, marking one of the largest single-year declines in the survey's history.

The data highlights a severe partisan rift. While approximately 70% of Republicans express extreme pride, only 14% of Democrats and 28% of independents report the same. The AP-NORC survey further notes a decline in pride regarding the U.S. military, national history, and the functioning of American democracy, with the latter falling from 42% in 2017 to 28%.

Respondents attribute this decline to a tumultuous period characterized by the COVID-19 pandemic, rising inflation, and the political actions of Donald Trump and Joe Biden. Economic disillusionment, specifically regarding housing costs and retirement insecurity, has led many to believe the American dream is no longer attainable. This trend occurs as the United States prepares for its 250th anniversary and continues a military conflict involving Iran and Israel over the Strait of Hormuz.