Americans Remain Patriotic, but are Disappointed Their Nation Falls Short of Their Expectations

Americans remain patriotic but disillusioned—proud of the nation’s identity and ideals, yet doubtful that the country is currently delivering on them

As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, a new national values poll finds that Americans have not given up on the country’s founding ideals — but they are increasingly worried that those ideals are not experienced in their daily lives. The 4th Annual Heart of America Survey results, released today by the National Collaborative for Health Equity (NCHE), capture a country that is at once proud, strained, and searching for renewal.

The survey was designed to move past headlines and partisan talking points to surface the true emotional desires and aspirations of everyday Americans. What it found is a nation holding two truths at once: deep attachment to the promise of America, and growing doubt about whether democracy is fair, whether the American Dream is still reachable, and whether the country can bridge its divisions.

 

Heart of America - Annual Survey

Among the findings were that...

Decorative: Icon
America at 250: A Proud Nation, but Not a Shared Experience

“At our 250th anniversary, the promise of America endures — but confidence in the country’s ability to live up to its ideals is strained,” said Dr. Gail C. Christopher, NCHE’s executive director. “Americans still believe in freedom, fairness, and opportunity. What many are seeking is for those values to be made real in their own lives, their own families, their own communities, and embraced by their nation.”

 

How proud are you to be an American?

62%

Americans say they are proud to be an American

-10% from 2025

 

84%

of Republicans report being proud to be an American. The highest among the parties polled. Democrats reported being 49% proud and Independents reported being 50% proud.

20%

Gap between Gen Z and all other generations on how proud they feel. Gen Z the least pride at 46% while Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers report between 65%-66%

Americans pride over four years…

Proud
Not Proud
67%
2023
12%
72%
2024
7%
72%
2025
10%
62%
2026
18%

How much do you feel America today is living up to its ideals of
freedom fairness, and equal opportunity for all? 

 

 

Only 1-in-3
Decorative: Person
Decorative: Person
Decorative: Person

say America is living up to it’s ideals

54%

of Republicans are positive on ideals vs 25% of Democrats

29%

of Women are positive on ideals vs 44% of Men

America’s ideals still matter – and for many people, freedom means different things

The work ahead is making those ideals feel real, shared, and possible for everyone 

 

I think being American means to embrace freedom in different areas of life. I think the values that still connect us as a country is our ability to express ourselves

– Woman, Millennial, Black, Democrat

Being an American to me is being able to be free and freedom of speech to speak up when something isn’t right.

-Woman, Millennial, White, Independent

Americans are worried, but not without hope and the strongest path to common ground is listening across generations and difference.

How hopeful are you that Americans can work through their
differences and find lasting common ground in the future? 

Total Hopeful
Very Hopeful
67%
2023
25%
74%
2024
30%
76%
2025
32%
71%
2026
25%

When it comes to dealing with the problems that America faces, I am…

 

61%

Interested in hearing from multiple perspectives across generations

19%

Most interested in hearing the views of older people and experts who have a lot of experience and knowledge

20%

Most interested in hearing the views of young people and a new generation with fresh ideas

In their owns words…

What gives Americans hope about the future of America?

36%

are hopeful about the future generations and the upcoming leadership change

“The passion, resilience, and civic engagement of the younger generations give me hope.”

– Woman, Millennial, White, Republican

 

14%

have hope in the community and shared values that America built

“What gives me hope is how many people still show up for each other, even when things feel divided.”

-Man, Millennial, Black, Independent

19%

feel a social and moral decline in the hope of our country

“With the cost of living going up, I don’t have hope America is getting better, it’s getting worse.”

-Man, Millennial, Hispanic, Democrat

Decorative: Icon
Voting Rights & Fair Representation

Americans may be divided politically, but they remain broadly aligned around the democratic values that make civic trust possible – voting access, fair representation, due process, and fairness beyond the ballot box.

 

How important is making sure every eligible American has the right to vote and a voice in the future of the country?

Very Important
Important (but not very)
89
Very Important
68
Important (but not very)
Total
90
76
Dem
87
63
Rep
90
65
Ind

How important is ensuring that all eligible voters are able to vote?

Important
Not Important
92
Important
7
Not Important
2026
88
12
2025
85
15
2024

Across party lines, Americans expect every level of government to protect voting rights

 

How important do you think it is for each of the following to protect voting rights in the United States?

Total Americans
Democrats
Republicans
Independents
Local Gov
73%
76%
72%
71%
State Gov
74%
74%
75%
72%
Federal Gov
76%
76%
75%
78%
Supreme Court
75%
76%
73%
73%

Fair representation means being heard – not managed

 

Americans connect voting and representation to voice, fairness, and trust in whether government reflects their communities.

 
34%

say one important way to bridge differences and build trust
is making sure everyone has a fair chance and fair treatment .

 

Voice

People talk about having a say, expressing
themselves, and making their voices count.

 

“I think being American means to embrace freedom in different areas of life. I think the values that still connect us as a country is our ability to express ourselves.

– Woman, Millennial, Black

 

 

“Being American means believing in freedom, fairness, and the hope that we can still come together despite our differences

– Man, Millennial, White

FAIRNESS

Fairness means rights for everyone and a country that treats people with respect.

 

“I think being American is supposed to mean the unity that was promised: a cultural melting pot, rights for everyone, and fighting for others to have those rights.”

– Woman, Gen Z, Hispanic, Independent

 

 

“We are all here to live our best life, just be kind, respectful of others.”

– Woman, Baby Boomer, White

TRUST

Trust depends on whether democracy feels stable, shared, and rooted in unity.

 

“With the way things are currently today I hope our democracy holds and are still a free nation”

– Woman, Baby Boomer, White

 

 

“That we work together as one and that we don’t fight, we love.”

– Woman, Millennial, White, Independent

Americans see immigration as part of our identity – and want order, balance, and opportunity.

 

Strong majorities support a path to citizenship and balancing welcoming immigrants with border security.

 

78%

agree that immigrants contribute positively to American Society.

85%

agree that immigration is an important part of American history and culture.

81%

agree that immigrants contribute to the American economy.

80%

agree that immigrants enrich the diversity of American society.

87%

agree that US needs to find a balance between welcoming immigrants and ensuring bordering security

90%

agree that immigrants should have the opportunity to become citizens if they meet certain requirements

Fewer Americans say immigration weakens the United States

 

Which of the following statements best aligns with your view on immigration and its impact on the United States?

Weakens
Stengthens
43%
2024
57%
37%
2025
63%
37%
2026
63%

Do you think our nation’s immigration policies are fair?

 

Fair
Not Fair
53%
2024
47%
53%
2025
47%
48%
2026
53%

67% of Americans agree that all immigrants, regardless of legal status, should be guaranteed
due process — including majorities across party lines

 

 

Do you agree with the following statement: All immigrants, regardless of their legal status, should be guaranteed due process.

Agree
Disagree
67%
Total Americans
33%
78%
Democrats
22%
53%
Republicans
47%
70%
Independents
30%
Decorative: Icon
The American Dream, Lived

The promise of America is not only measured in ideals – it is measured in whether people feel secure, heard, represented, and able to build a stable life.

 

Is the American Dream achievable or out of reach for most people?

 

Achieveable
Out of Reach
48%
Overall
52%
43%
Gen Z
57%
49%
Millenials
51%
51%
Gen X
49%
46%
Baby Boomer
54%

Americans still name freedom, opportunity, and community – but many see those ideals as fragile or uneven

 

This year marks America’s 250th anniversary. In your own words, what does being . . . American mean to you today, and what values or hopes do you think still unite most Americans?

Freedom and Independence

“I think being American means
to embrace freedom in different areas of life. I think the values that still connect us
as a country is our ability to express ourselves.”

– Woman, Millennial, Black, Democrat

“I think back to when our how we gained our freedom. I think of when it all started. I
don’t think much connects us anymore. People are becoming worse and so selfish it seems like it is every
man for himself.”

-Man, Gen X, White,
Democrat

Unity and
Community

“To me, being American is having values that benefit yourself and family, such as providing for your family and
contributing to your
community. “

– Man, Gen Z, Native American, Republican

“I think being American is
supposed to mean the unity that was promised: a cultural melting pot, rights for everyone, and fighting for others to have those rights.”

– Woman, Gen Z, Hispanic, Independent

Being Proud of the United States

“We have a lot to be proud of, and I thank God everyday that I was born in USA and never forget that.”

– Woman, Baby Boomer, White, Republican

“I am proud to be a Black American because overcoming adversity & struggles hos always made my people stronger. Despite the history of America, it has also shaped who I am today.”

-Man, Millennial, Black,
Independent

Opportunity and the American Dream

“Being an American, to me, is and was about different people coming together to achieve their dreams.”

– Man, Millennial, Hispanic, Independent

“I have striven a lot by this age. I think that the American dream is dead, and kids are coming out of college with crushing debt. My hope is that someone will solve this country from the crime family who hurt us all.”

– Woman, Baby Boomer, White, Democrat

Resilience and Hope for the Future

“Being American means a hope of living a thriving life without worry or concerns about choosing between paying for housing, medications, or being able to put food on your table.”

-Man, Gen X, Black, Democrat

“I will always be proud to be an American … I just hope we can, as a united country, get back to those values and believe each other and respect each
other’s differences and beliefs.”

– Woman, Baby Boomer, Democrat

The cost squeeze is broad —
but it falls harder on Black Americans

While most Americans feel pressure from rising costs, Black adults are significantly more likely than White adults to feel strain across wages, housing, debt, childcare, and stable work.

 

Thinking about your household finances, how much pressure do you feel from each of the following right now?

Pressure
No Pressure
81%
Food costs
19%
75%
Low Wages
25%
72%
Healthcare costs
28%
71%
Housing costs
29%
64%
Stable Work
36%
62%
Debt
38%
53%
Cost of elder care
47%
44%
Cost of childcare
56%

Black vs. White: where the pressure gap is largest?

23%

difference in childcare pressure: 61% Black vs 38% White

18%

difference in debt pressure: 75% Black vs 57% White

14%

difference in stable work pressure: 72% Black vs 58% White

Americans Are Redefining the American Dream Around Freedom First – While Financial Security, Peace of Mind, and Opportunity Matter More for Different Groups

 

What best describes what the American dream means today?

Financial security
14%
Owning a home
10%
Freedom to live life
32%
Peace of mind & less financial stress
15%
More opportunities for the next generation
15%
Being able to get ahead
14%

The American Dream remains, but it is less about a fixed material checklist and more about freedom, stability, peace of mind, and opportunity.

How Views Differ

Gen Z : Freedom to live life

Women and Lower-Income Adults : peace of mind and less financial stress

Parents : creating more opportunities for the next generation

Older adults : financial security

Decorative: Icon
Racial Healing

The path forward is not simply unity, but healing – rebuilding trust, restoring belonging, and recognizing our shared humanity.

 

Which of the following comes closer to your view when it comes to inequality in America?

 

“I believe that all Americans have the same chance at a happy and comfortable life, and any inequality is the result of individual choices and merit.“

“I believe inequality systemic in America, meaning that certain groups of people face inherent disadvantages that other groups do not, regardless of their individual choices and merit.”

Equal opportunity for all
Inequality is systemic
54%
2026 Total
46%
37%
Dems
63%
77%
Reps
23%
48%
Inds
52%

Americans disagree on the diagnosis of inequality – but that makes consensus on repair more important.

Partisanship shapes how Americans explain inequality, underscoring the value of shared repair priorities.

 

Which of the following comes closer to your view, even if neither is exactly right?

“When the United States has caused harm, it has a responsibility to take meaningful steps to repair that harm“

“When the United States has caused harm, the best path forward is to focus on equal opportunity today rather than trying to repaid past wrongs“

Repair lasting harm
Focus on equal opportunity today
45%
Total 2026
55%
58%
Dems
42%
34%
Reps
66%
44%
Inds
56%
52%
Gen Z
48%
50%
Millennials
50%

The repair agenda is shifting from talking to learning and correcting

Compared with 2025, open dialogue drops three spots while education rises to the top

Please rank the following elements in order of their importance to racial healing, with 1 being the most important?

1. Education about different races and cultures
2. Acknowledging historical injustices
3. Policies addressing systemic racism
4. Open dialogues about race
5. Promoting diversity and inclusion

Honest history is becoming the clearest mandate for repair

Nearly all Americans say schools should teach the full history of America, including slavery and racism, and support for educating children about race and racism continues to rise

 

86%

say educating children on the history of race and racism in America is important to racial healing

Support has increased 7 points since 2024 and is at its highest point in four years.

92%

say schools should teach the full history of America, including the history of slavery and racism.

 

66%

say this is very important. This is a broad, bipartisan mandate.

Despite backlash, workplace diversity still holds broad support

Support for promoting diversity in the workplace remains broad across party lines, while overall intensity ticks up in 2026.

 

How important is promoting diversity in the workplace, so people of all different races are working together, as an action to heal the harm racism has had on our country?

2023
80%
2024
78%
2025
78%
2026
82%

Concrete repair actions are gaining strength across the racial healing agenda

Most Americans say each of these actions is important to heal the harm racism has had on our country, with momentum across voting, diversity, education, housing, and representation

Importance of actions to heal the harm racism has had on our country

92%

say “Ensuring all eligible voters are able to vote” is important

82%

say “Promoting diversity in the workplace” is important

86%

say “Educating children on the history of race and racism in America” is important

80%

say “Enacting policies that reduce racial segregation in housing” is important

74%

say “Improving representation of people of color in the media” is important

These findings point to a repair agenda Americans increasingly see as practical, not symbolic.

 

A divided horizon: Americans hold on to hope, but disagree on where to look for it

While hope remains resilient, partisan and social divides completely reshape what Americans believe will move the country forward.

 

Hope as Correction

Democrats often place hope in young people, voting, future elections, and the country’s ability to correct itself.

“The new generation of voters is only thing that gives me hope.”

-Democrat, Gen X, White Man

Hope as Restoration

Republicans more often place hope in Trump, current leadership, national strength, and God.

“That we have a president that stands up to those who want to destroy our country. “

– Republican, Millennial, White woman

Hope as Resilience

Independents are less triumphant and more likely to point to peers, ordinary people, and better treatment across difference

“What gives me the most hope about the future in this country are my peers.”

– Independent, Gen Z, Black man

On America’s 250th anniversary, hope remains resilient

Even in a divided moment, Americans still want common ground, better leadership, and a role in healing the country

89%

We need transformative leaders who will help the country heal and move forward.

87%

We need new ways and new words to help Americans talk to each other.

86%

Americans are starving to be listened to, not shouted down to.

85%

Americans are hungry to belong, feel connected, and trust each other again.

76%

Believe Americans have more in common than differences.

59%

Believe people like them can play a role in promoting unity and racial healing.

The Heart of America is strong – and the path forward starts with listening, learning, and building connections that last.

Decorative: lower Angle