American pride near record lows, new poll reveals

A new Gallup poll released ahead of Independence Day suggests American pride remains near record lows. The survey found 67% of respondents are either “extremely proud” or “very proud” to be an American. That’s similar to recent years, but a significant drop compared to the poll’s high point of 91% recorded in 2002 and 2004, as patriotism surged following the 9/11 attacks. "We are definitely at a record low,” said Gallup’s U.S. Social Research Director Lydia Saad. Since the poll started almost a quarter century ago, it has also highlighted differences in patriotism rates by political affiliation. "Gallup has seen Republicans about 20 points more likely than Democrats and Independents to say they're extremely proud to be an American," Saad said. Despite this gap, American pride appeared to trend downward throughout former President Donald Trump's term. Gallup recorded a slight increase at the beginning of the Biden administration, but patriotism has since plateaued near record lows."I think there is a clear correlation but I'm not sure the elections are a causal factor," said Wheaton College Political Science Professor Gerard Huiskamp. “Other factors, like polarization and economic insecurity, manifest in contentious elections.”Americans who attended the National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C. cited a range of reasons for declining pride. "Roe versus Wade being overturned was really heartbreaking for me," said Angie Linehan, a mother from Texas, citing the Supreme Court decision that struck down federal abortion protections. Nevertheless, she considers herself “very proud to be an American.” Samuel Schwartz, who's visiting from Iowa with his family, said he’s frustrated by the political climate but he still has some national pride. "I wouldn't say extremely proud but I am proud," Schwartz said. “I wish we had a more vast political spectrum, maybe more parties and more voices to be heard.” Makhi Daye, a college student, said incidents of police brutality and racism have impacted his sense of pride. He said he is “sometimes” proud of his country.“America is a very complicated place and it has some good times and bad times, sometimes more bad times than good. So I have mixed feelings,” Daye said.The Gallup poll revealed Americans 18 to 34, the youngest age group surveyed, reported the lowest levels of patriotism. 10% said they have “no pride at all,” compared to just 1% of those 55 and older, and 5% of the adult population overall. Jeff Benedic, a father from Louisiana who also attended the parade, said, “It's the United States of America. It is going to figure itself out. That’s what I tell my kids.”