fbpx
facebook app symbol  twitter  linkedin  instagram 1
 

Since 2001, Gallup has released an annual survey ahead of Independence Day tracking how proud Americans feel about their country. This year, despite President Donald Trump’s continued call to “Make America Great Again,” national pride is at a historic low.

According to the survey released Monday, just 58% of U.S. adults say they are either “extremely” (41%) or “very” (17%) proud to be American — a nine-point drop from last year and five points lower than the previous record low set in 2020.

Never miss Indian Country’s biggest stories and breaking news. Sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. 

While the 41% who are “extremely proud” is in line with recent years (38% in 2022 and 39% in 2023), the sharp decline appears to be driven largely by a drop in those who are “very proud.”

Political Divides in Patriotism

The survey also highlights stark differences in national pride along political lines.

Democrats are largely responsible for this year’s overall decline. Just 36% of Democrats report being extremely or very proud to be American — down sharply from 62% last year. This marks only the second time Democratic pride has dropped below the majority level, the first being 42% in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder.

Political independents also showed waning pride, with only 53% expressing high levels of pride — a seven-point drop from last year’s previous low. Their national pride has steadily declined since the early 2000s, falling below 80% in 2005, below 70% in 2019, and now below 60%.

Republicans, by contrast, continue to express strong patriotic sentiment. This year, 92% say they are either extremely or very proud to be American, up from 85% in 2024. Republican pride has consistently remained high, typically above 90%, except during the years 2016 and 2020 through 2024 — all but one of which were under Democratic presidencies.

A Generational Gap

The survey also underscores a pronounced generational divide. Younger Americans are significantly less likely than older generations to express strong national pride.

Looking at five-year averages since 2001, only 41% of Generation Z (born after 1996) report being extremely or very proud to be American. Among millennials (born 1980–1996), the rate is higher at 58%, but still notably lower than older cohorts. Pride increases with age: 71% of Generation X, 75% of baby boomers, and 83% of the Silent Generation express high levels of pride.

Still, all generations — from millennials to the Silent Generation — have seen double-digit declines in national pride since the early 2000s. Most of that drop has occurred since 2016.

Implications

At the turn of the 21st century, American pride was nearly universal among U.S. adults. But over the past 25 years, that sense of national unity has steadily eroded, driven largely by political polarization and generational shifts.

Democrats today are significantly less likely to express pride in being American, with national pride among the group reaching a record low. At the same time, younger generations—particularly Generation Z and millennials—consistently show lower levels of patriotism compared to older cohorts.

Most of this decline has unfolded over the past decade, against a backdrop of growing pessimism about the future, especially among young people. Widespread dissatisfaction with the country’s direction, deepening partisan divides, negative perceptions of both major political parties, and heightened political conflict during the Trump and Biden presidencies have all contributed to the erosion of national pride.

More Stories Like This

Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. Briefs
US Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
The House of Representatives Votes in Trump's Cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and SNAP Program

Help us tell the stories that could save Native languages and food traditions

At a critical moment for Indian Country, Native News Online is embarking on our most ambitious reporting project yet: "Cultivating Culture," a three-year investigation into two forces shaping Native community survival—food sovereignty and language revitalization.

The devastating impact of COVID-19 accelerated the loss of Native elders and with them, irreplaceable cultural knowledge. Yet across tribal communities, innovative leaders are fighting back, reclaiming traditional food systems and breathing new life into Native languages. These aren't just cultural preservation efforts—they're powerful pathways to community health, healing, and resilience.

Our dedicated reporting team will spend three years documenting these stories through on-the-ground reporting in 18 tribal communities, producing over 200 in-depth stories, 18 podcast episodes, and multimedia content that amplifies Indigenous voices. We'll show policymakers, funders, and allies how cultural restoration directly impacts physical and mental wellness while celebrating successful models of sovereignty and self-determination.

This isn't corporate media parachuting into Indian Country for a quick story. This is sustained, relationship-based journalism by Native reporters who understand these communities. It's "Warrior Journalism"—fearless reporting that serves the 5.5 million readers who depend on us for news that mainstream media often ignores.

We need your help right now. While we've secured partial funding, we're still $450,000 short of our three-year budget. Our immediate goal is $25,000 this month to keep this critical work moving forward—funding reporter salaries, travel to remote communities, photography, and the deep reporting these stories deserve.

Every dollar directly supports Indigenous journalists telling Indigenous stories. Whether it's $5 or $50, your contribution ensures these vital narratives of resilience, innovation, and hope don't disappear into silence.

Levi headshotThe stakes couldn't be higher. Native languages are being lost at an alarming rate. Food insecurity plagues many tribal communities. But solutions are emerging, and these stories need to be told.

Support independent Native journalism. Fund the stories that matter.

Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher

 
 
About The Author
Native News Online Staff
Author: Native News Online StaffEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at [email protected].