A new Fox News national survey finds American voters hold a complex view of the country as it approaches its 250th anniversary, with two-thirds describing the nation in negative terms while still expressing strong attachment to living in the United States. The poll, conducted May 15-18, 2026, surveyed 1,002 registered voters and carries a margin of sampling error of ±3 percentage points.
When asked what one word best describes the United States today, 66% of voters chose negative descriptors such as "failing," "divided," "struggling," or "corrupt." Only about one-quarter suggested positive words like "freedom," "great," "powerful," or "strong." The partisan divide on this question was significant: nearly twice as many Democrats as Republicans used negative language, while more than four times as many Republicans as Democrats employed positive terms.
What the Right Is Saying
Republican pollster Daron Shaw characterized the findings as representing "a national mood best described as 'resilient discontent.'" Shaw noted that "the growing share who would rather live elsewhere combined with stark partisan differences in enthusiasm for the country's anniversary suggests commitment to the nation is becoming less automatic and more conditional."
Conservative voices have emphasized that 81% of voters still prefer living in the United States over any other country, arguing this demonstrates underlying national cohesion. Enthusiasm about the 250th anniversary skews heavily Republican: 74% of Republicans express excitement compared to 35% of Democrats. Among MAGA Republicans specifically, 84% are excited about the milestone.
What the Left Is Saying
Democratic pollster Chris Anderson, who co-conducts Fox News surveys with Republican counterpart Daron Shaw, noted that despite the pessimistic descriptors, voters still express commitment to fundamental democratic principles. The survey found 83% of voters prioritize emphasizing U.S. democratic principles when describing the country, and 85% say national unity and shared values are important.
Progressive commentators have pointed to the data showing younger voters and Democrats more likely to consider living elsewhere as evidence that economic anxiety and political frustration are affecting even core supporters of American institutions. About 3 in 10 voters under age 30 and among Democrats indicated they would rather live outside the United States, compared to just 4% of Republicans.
What the Numbers Show
The survey reveals several key data points about American sentiment: • 66% of voters used negative words to describe the U.S.; 25% used positive words
• 58% believe Americans are mostly separated by different values vs. 42% who say shared values bind them
• Among Republicans: 49% see shared values, 50% see different values; among Democrats: 62% see different values
• 85% say national unity is an important descriptor of the country
• 83% prioritize democratic principles; 77% prioritize multiculturalism and diversity
• On multiculturalism: 88% of Democrats view it as important vs. 67% of Republicans — a 21-point gap
• 81% would rather live in the U.S. than any other country, down from 93% in 2004-2005
• 19% would rather live elsewhere — more than triple the rate from two decades ago
• By party: 96% of Republicans prefer staying vs. approximately 70% of Democrats
• By age: 86% of voters 45 and older would stay; roughly 70% of those under 30 would stay
The Bottom Line
The poll illustrates a divided electorate approaching a major national milestone with notably different perspectives on what the United States represents and where it stands. While broad majorities across party lines agree on foundational principles like democratic values and unity, partisan gaps emerge sharply on issues of multiculturalism and enthusiasm for celebrating American history. The tripling of voters who would prefer to live elsewhere since the early 2000s suggests shifting attitudes toward national attachment that cut across demographic lines, particularly among younger voters and Democrats. Pollsters describe this combination of persistent attachment with widespread negative sentiment as "resilient discontent."