Democrats are facing a staggering crisis of American pride, with only one-third of them claiming to be extremely proud to be Americans. Gen Z, meanwhile, stands out as the least proud generation, according to a recent survey.
A mere 58 percent of respondents report high levels of American pride, marking a record low. Just last year, that number was 67 percent. The peak of American pride came shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001 and again in 2004, when a remarkable 91 percent expressed pride in their country.
Digging deeper into party affiliation reveals a stark divide. Only 36 percent of Democrats are extremely or very proud to be American—an unprecedented low. Last year, that number was 62 percent. In stark contrast, a staggering 92 percent of Democrats felt pride in their country back in 2002.
Independents are not immune to this decline, though a slim majority of 53 percent still express pride. This is down from 60 percent last year and a significant drop from an all-time high of 86 percent in 2004.
In sharp contrast to the Democrats’ decline, Republican pride remains robust. A commanding 92 percent of Republicans identify as extremely or very proud to be Americans, just seven points shy of their all-time high in 2003. During Donald Trump’s first term, pride among Republicans peaked at 95 percent, although it fell during the pandemic and under President Biden’s administration.
Notably, pride in America demonstrates a generational gap. Gen Z exhibits the lowest levels of pride, with only 41 percent feeling very or extremely proud to be American. This compares to 58 percent of millennials, 71 percent of Generation X, and even higher percentages in older generations.
Despite displaying greater pride, all generations from millennials through the Silent Generation have seen declines of 10 points or more in expressions of pride since the early 2000s, with the most significant declines occurring after 2016.
This survey, conducted from June 2 to June 19, arrives just before America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, set to kick off next year. The White House is preparing a full year of festivities under the Salute to America 250 Task Force, culminating on July 4, 2026.
As Trump aptly noted, “On July 4, 2026, America will celebrate the most important milestone in our country’s history — 250 years of American Independence.” This journey, marked by a single document and the signatures of 56 men, represents the remarkable story of our nation. The time is ripe to reclaim American pride and security, as we stand united in celebrating our freedoms.
