As the United States prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, a new NBC News poll finds Americans wrestling with profound doubt about their country's direction and institutions. The survey, sponsored by More Perfect, a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to advancing democracy, shows that 58% of adults believe the nation's best years are behind it, while just 38% see brighter days ahead.
The poll of 3,000 U.S. adults conducted May 29 through June 7 reveals a nation where trust in key institutions has eroded sharply and American pride has hit historic lows. Only 33% of respondents say they are extremely proud to be American — the lowest recorded figure in NBC News polling history on this question.
The survey was conducted jointly by Democratic pollster Jeff Horwitt of Hart Research Associates and Republican pollster Bill McInturff of Public Opinion Strategies, who noted that seven out of nine institutions tested saw record numbers of people expressing no confidence in them. "This is about as low as it's gotten in that period," McInturff said.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive voices pointed to the poll's findings as evidence that economic inequality and institutional failures have eroded public faith in government. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., has long argued that a rigged economy serves the wealthy at the expense of working Americans — a sentiment reflected in the survey's finding that 78% of adults say the American Dream is harder to attain than it was for the prior generation.
Liberals were notably more likely to express distrust of institutions including the federal government, Congress, the Supreme Court, and the military. The data suggests progressive frustration with structural barriers to change runs deeper than partisan disagreement over specific policies.
"The country is waiting for its leaders and institutions to catch up to what Americans actually want," said one progressive advocacy leader who spoke on background, citing polling that shows broad support for healthcare reform, climate action, and economic redistribution.
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative commentators pointed to the poll's findings about media distrust and opposition to constitutional revision as evidence of enduring American values. Sixty-two percent of those who voted for President Donald Trump in 2024 described themselves as extremely proud to be American, compared with just 12% of those who backed Democrat Kamala Harris.
Republicans were significantly more likely to express no confidence at all in the national news media, colleges and universities, and public schools — institutions many conservatives view as aligned against their values and interests. The survey found that 64% of adults have little or no confidence in the national news media.
"Across the survey, there was a clear desire for Americans to come together at the individual level and a willingness to do so, even when they strongly disagree politically," McInturff said, echoing conservative arguments about grassroots unity transcending partisan divisions.
What the Numbers Show
The poll presents a stark portrait of institutional decline: For the first time in NBC News polling history, a majority — 52% — say they have very little confidence or none at all in the federal government. In 2016, that figure stood at 34%. An even greater share, 56%, now express that view about Congress, compared to 39% in 2016.
Only the military maintains broad public support, with 60% saying they have a great deal or quite a bit of confidence in U.S. forces. Even this institution has seen erosion: down 13 percentage points since December 2016 and now at its highest level of distrust (15%) since 1988.
On constitutional questions, Americans are closely divided. Half say the Constitution has stood the test of time and can handle future challenges. Twenty-eight percent say it needs thorough revision to fit present needs, while 18% believe it is completely outmoded — findings that echo sentiments recorded during the bicentennial in 1976.
The American Dream question shows remarkable consistency across demographic groups: 78% overall say it is harder to achieve than a generation ago, up 9 points from 69% in 2016. Only 5% say it has become easier, with 16% seeing no change.
Despite the pessimism about institutions, 54% of Americans believe most people share core values but disagree on policies — a finding that suggests potential for civic bridge-building if not institutional repair.
The Bottom Line
The poll provides context for understanding the political upheaval of recent years, an era in which anti-establishment sentiment has powered populist figures across the political spectrum. The data suggest voters remain skeptical of traditional institutions while retaining some faith in fellow citizens and foundational documents — though even that confidence is fragile.
Looking ahead to the July 4th anniversary, the survey indicates Americans will celebrate their country's founding while questioning whether its institutions can meet current challenges. Whether that doubt translates into demands for structural change or renewed civic engagement remains to be seen. The pollsters noted that politicians have yet to fully capitalize on public appetite for solutions that transcend partisan divides — leaving open the question of what shape any response might take.