As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, a new AP-NORC poll suggests many Americans are entering the milestone year with a more complicated view of the country, its global standing and the promise of the American Dream.
According to the survey, only about one-quarter of U.S. adults said the United States stands above every other nation in the world. A larger share, 44%, said America is one of the greatest countries, but not necessarily superior to all others. Another 30% said there are other countries that are better than the United States.
The findings point to a shift in national mood at a moment when the country is preparing to celebrate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Rather than showing overwhelming confidence in American exceptionalism, the poll reflects a public divided by age, politics and economic outlook.
The survey also found broad skepticism about the American Dream. Just 34% of adults said the idea that hard work allows people to get ahead remains true today. A slim majority, 51%, said the American Dream was once true but is no longer, while 15% said it was never true.
TRENDING TODAY
The divide was especially sharp along party lines. AP reported that 57% of Republicans and Republican-leaning adults said the American Dream still holds true, compared with only 17% of Democrats and Democratic leaners. That gap shows how differently Americans now interpret the country’s economic promise and social mobility.
Younger adults appeared especially doubtful. AP-NORC found that only 22% of adults under 30 believe the American Dream still holds true. Many younger Americans are facing high housing costs, student debt, inflation concerns and uncertainty about whether traditional markers of success — such as homeownership, stable careers and family formation — are as attainable as they were for earlier generations.
The poll also found that confidence in democracy as a core part of American identity has declined. AP reported that fewer Americans now see democratically elected government as central to the country’s identity compared with previous polling. That trend reflects broader concerns about polarization, political instability and declining trust in institutions.
The results do not necessarily mean Americans have rejected patriotism. Many still describe the United States as one of the world’s greatest countries. But the poll suggests fewer people believe America automatically stands above every other nation, and more are measuring the country against practical outcomes such as economic opportunity, political stability, quality of life and fairness.
President Donald Trump’s approval rating in the poll was also underwater. The survey found 33% approval and 67% disapproval of his overall performance. On the economy, 30% approved while 70% disapproved. Those numbers may help explain why many Americans are pessimistic about opportunity and national direction, even during a year meant to highlight national pride.
The findings arrive as America250 celebrations are being planned across the country. The official America250 effort describes the anniversary as a chance to reflect on the nation’s past, honor contributions from Americans and look ahead to the country’s future. But the poll shows that Americans may not enter the celebration with a single shared message about what the country means today.
For some, the anniversary may be a moment of pride and gratitude. For others, it may be a moment to question whether the nation’s founding promises are being fulfilled. That tension is likely to shape political messaging, cultural debates and public events throughout the year.
Republicans are likely to focus on restoring national pride, strengthening economic opportunity and defending the idea of American exceptionalism. Democrats may emphasize democracy, equality, affordability and the need to make the American Dream more realistic for ordinary families. Independents may fall somewhere in between, expressing pride in the country while remaining dissatisfied with its current direction.
The poll also shows that national identity is no longer defined only by symbols like flags, holidays or military strength. For many Americans, confidence in the country is tied to whether they believe the system still works for them. If hard work no longer feels like a path to stability, belief in the American Dream weakens.
That does not mean the idea has disappeared. The American Dream remains a powerful part of U.S. culture and politics. But the AP-NORC data suggests it is increasingly contested, especially among younger generations and those who feel the economy has become less fair.
As the 250th anniversary approaches, the country faces a difficult question: whether the celebration can bring Americans together, or whether it will highlight how differently people now see the nation’s past, present and future.
Why It Matters
The poll matters because America’s 250th anniversary is supposed to be a unifying national milestone, but the data shows deep uncertainty about the country’s direction. Many Americans still see the U.S. as a great nation, but fewer believe it clearly stands above every other country.
It also matters because belief in the American Dream is closely tied to public confidence. When people doubt that hard work can lead to a better life, political frustration and social division often grow.
What Comes Next
The findings are likely to shape messaging around America250 events, the economy and the 2026 political climate. Leaders from both parties may use the anniversary to argue for different visions of national renewal.
More polling is also likely as July 4 approaches, especially on patriotism, democracy, economic opportunity and whether Americans believe the country is living up to its founding ideals.
