(SeaPRwire) –
By: Gavin Thorne
America’s 250th anniversary isn’t a unifying celebration. A new AP-NORC poll shows half the country thinks the American Dream is dead. Young adults are leading the skepticism—rejecting U.S. exceptionalism and trusting politicians less than ever. The nation’s core identity—democracy, opportunity, diversity—is splitting along generational and partisan lines.
Only 25% of Americans believe the U.S. stands above all others. 30% say other countries are better, up from 19% in 2016. Two-thirds now see democracy as highly important to U.S. identity—down from 80% in 2021. Under-30s are far more critical: 44% say other countries are better, vs. 22% of those over 60. Only half of young adults see democracy as key to U.S. identity, compared to 81% of older Americans.
Half of U.S. adults say the American Dream—work hard to get ahead—once held true but no longer does. Only 22% of under-30s believe it still holds, vs. 46% of those over 60. Partisan splits are sharp: 57% of Republicans say the Dream is alive, while only 17% of Democrats agree. Independent voters fall in between, with 25% believing it’s still true.
Partisan dynamics are fueling the divide. Republicans cling to exceptionalism and the Dream, using them to rally their base. Democrats focus on systemic flaws and diversity, highlighting gaps in opportunity. Neither side is addressing root issues: term limits for politicians, more working-class representation, or fixing broken democratic guardrails.
Immigrant communities are feeling the heat. Rose Nunez, a 70-year-old Democrat from San Antonio, says Hispanics carry papers to prove their status—even naturalized citizens fear being targeted. Nunez notes her 93-year-old mother, a long-time resident, could face challenges if naturalization is questioned. This tension overshadows the 250th celebrations, as many question if founding principles apply to everyone now.
The 250th anniversary will reveal a nation more divided than at any point in recent history, with no quick fixes in sight.
Author bio: Gavin Thorne, an insider political investigative journalist based in Washington, D.C., covers U.S. identity and partisan divides for national outlets.
