Sep 1, 2026 - Politics & Policy
Youth poll: Less than 1 in 3 proud of "where America is heading"
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Younger adults are just half as likely to feel proud of "where America is heading as a nation" (29%) than "what America has been in the past" (59%), according to a new poll from the Sine Institute of Policy and Politics at American University conducted by the Generation Lab.
Why it matters: The findings (online survey of 1,031 respondents, ages 18-34, July 23-Aug. 1) are noteworthy across partisan, gender and ethnic lines.
- 74% of independents, 69% of white respondents and 60% of men said they're not proud of where the nation is heading.
- The survey also explores views on patriotism and how important being an American is to respondents' identity.
What they're saying: "While it feels bleak, they know what they want," said Sine Institute executive director Amy K. Dacey.
- "They're looking for a future filled with opportunity, progress and equality. They just don't think where we are today is getting them there. So that opens up a conversation for young people and public officials about the direction of the country."
