American Pride and Unity Decline, PRRI Survey Reveals Ahead of 250th Birthday
A new survey from the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) indicates a significant decline in American pride and a growing national identity crisis. Only 51% of Americans report being extremely or very proud of their national identity, a sharp decrease from 82% in 2013. The findings also highlight increased ideological divisions, with many viewing opposing political sides as threats to democracy, and a widespread skepticism about the functionality of the American Dream, particularly among young adults.
A recent survey conducted by the nonpartisan Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) reveals a notable shift in American sentiment ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary. The data suggests a decline in national pride, religious unity, and faith in the American Dream.
The PRRI American Identity Survey, conducted from May 1-18, 2026, found that 51% of Americans consider themselves extremely or very proud of being American. This figure marks a significant drop from 82% recorded in 2013.
The survey also highlighted stark partisan divisions regarding national identity. Less than half of Democrats believe that being born in America (42%), believing in God (41%), or being Christian (29%) are crucial to American identity. In contrast, majorities of Republicans view these factors as important to being truly American.
Skepticism concerning the American Dream is also prevalent, with less than half of Americans believing that hard work guarantees success. Among 18- to 29-year-olds, belief in the American Dream has decreased from 50% in 2024 to 36% today.
Robert P. Jones, PRRI president and founder, noted that the survey illustrates a country increasingly divided, particularly between Republicans and other groups on issues of faith, democracy, and national identity. He stated that Republicans appear to be increasingly "outliers" and "further and further from the middle."
Overall, only 18% of Americans expressed extreme or strong pride in the current functioning of democracy. The PRRI survey was conducted online, gathering responses from a representative sample of 5,469 adults across all 50 states, with a margin of error of ±1.53 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.
(Source: Axios)
