New Poll Reveals Young Americans' Divergent Patriotism and Disconnection

On the 250th anniversary of the United States, a new poll from American University's Sine Institute of Policy and Politics reveals a deep divide among young Americans. While many feel proud of their nation's history, they are grappling with a sense of disconnection from current political realities.

The poll, conducted by Generation Lab and involving 1,031 young adults aged 18 to 34, found that a majority of respondents describe themselves as patriotic. However, a significant number—48%—expressed a lack of belonging in today's society. Men were more likely to report feelings of patriotism, with 66% describing themselves as patriotic and 71% feeling proud to be American. In contrast, women were less likely to share these sentiments, with only 43% and 48%, respectively, feeling patriotic and proud.

Despite their pride in the nation's past, young Americans view the current state of the country with stark negativity. The term "broken" was used by a majority of respondents to describe the nation in 2026, alongside "divided," "polarized," and "chaotic." "Youth are not simply the leaders of tomorrow—they are shaping America today," said Amy K. Dacey, executive director of the Sine Institute. "Their voices, experiences, and aspirations offer a critical perspective on our nation's future."

The poll also highlighted a generational divide in terms of political participation. While 44% of respondents felt their generation had a positive impact on the country, this sentiment was not shared by the same proportion who felt a sense of alienation. "Young people are navigating a rapidly changing America while carrying responsibilities that extend far beyond themselves," said Molly O'Rourke, senior advisor and executive in residence at the Sine Institute.

The survey underscores the importance of listening to the voices of young Americans. The research aims to provide policymakers with insights into the challenges facing this generation and their vision for the future. "By engaging directly with young people, we can better understand their hopes and concerns and work to build a more inclusive and collaborative governance approach," said Dacey.

The findings offer a nuanced view of young Americans' identity and their role in shaping the country's future. The poll was conducted in partnership with the Close Up Foundation and Future Caucus, highlighting the collaborative efforts to engage and understand the rising generation.

For more details on the survey, the full results are available online.