Key facts
- 4 in 10 U.S. adults feel "proud" about the country’s 250th anniversary, per AP-NORC.
- 3 in 10 U.S. adults feel "excited" about the anniversary.
- Most Americans believe the signers of the Declaration of Independence would be disappointed with the U.S., according to Gallup.
- Republicans and older adults are more likely to feel proud and excited about the anniversary.
- Democrats and younger adults report feeling conflicted or indifferent.
- 44% of U.S. adults plan to celebrate by spending time with friends or family.
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, new polls reveal a divided public sentiment. While many Republicans and older adults express pride and excitement, a significant portion of Democrats and younger Americans report feeling conflicted or indifferent about the milestone.
According to a survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, about 4 in 10 U.S. adults feel "proud" about the upcoming anniversary, with roughly 3 in 10 saying "excited" describes their emotions. President Donald Trump has planned several events for the nation’s capital, including a fair on Washington’s National Mall.
However, other polling indicates a more somber mood among some demographics. Gallup polling shows that most Americans now believe the signers of the Declaration of Independence would be disappointed with how the U.S. has turned out, a sentiment that has substantially increased over the past 25 years.
More specifically, about 7 in 10 Republicans report feeling proud about the anniversary, compared to about 3 in 10 independents and roughly 2 in 10 Democrats. Older Americans, those ages 60 and older, also predominantly feel proud, with about 6 in 10 expressing this sentiment. A majority of Republicans, 54%, also feel excited about the anniversary.
Conversely, Democrats and young people are more likely to express conflicted or indifferent feelings. About 4 in 10 Democrats and roughly 3 in 10 adults under 30 say "conflicted" describes their feelings, while about 3 in 10 in each group feel "indifferent."
Regarding the nation's progress, about 7 in 10 U.S. adults believe America has succeeded in achieving its founding ideals, a view shared by a majority across all political affiliations, though Republicans are particularly likely to hold this opinion.
In terms of celebration plans, a Gallup-With Honor poll found that just under half, 44%, of U.S. adults intend to celebrate by spending time with friends or family. About 3 in 10 plan to watch coverage of America 250 events on television or social media. Older adults are more likely to plan on celebrating with loved ones or watching coverage, while younger adults are more inclined to say they are not planning to celebrate at all. A smaller percentage plan to participate in community or official America 250 events.