New AP-NORC Poll Shows Declining American Pride in Nation’s History and Democracy

WASHINGTON: Americans are becoming less proud of their country’s history, democratic system and global standing, reflecting deepening political and generational divides, according to a new poll conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

The survey found that pride in several key aspects of American identity has declined significantly since 2017. Only 28 percent of respondents said they were extremely or very proud of the way democracy works in the United States, down from 42 percent nine years ago. Pride in the nation’s history, military and political influence has also fallen notably over the same period.

The poll also revealed that just over half of Americans—53 percent—described themselves as extremely or very proud to be American, marking the lowest level recorded in Gallup’s long-running trend since 2001. The decline is especially pronounced among Democrats and younger adults, while Republicans and older Americans continue to express much stronger feelings of national pride.

According to the findings, around 70 percent of Republicans said they are highly proud to be American, compared with only 14 percent of Democrats. Older Americans were also considerably more likely than younger generations to express pride in the nation’s institutions and identity. For many Black and Hispanic Americans, racial and ethnic identity remains a more central part of their personal identity than national identity.

Researchers said the survey reflects growing political polarization and changing perceptions shaped by recent national events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, years of partisan conflict and debates over America’s role in the world. Despite the decline in national pride, many respondents continued to express a strong personal connection to the United States and its democratic ideals.

The AP-NORC poll surveyed 2,596 adults across the United States in April 2026 and has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 2.6 percentage points.