A new national survey reveals a profound sense of pessimism among Americans as the country approaches its 250th anniversary. The data,collected by Hart Research Associates and Public Opinion Strategies, shows record-low levels of national pride and a sharp decline in trust toward major institutions.

The 52% Collapse in Federal Government Confidence

The survey shows a dramatic shift in how Americans view their leadership and the structures of power. According to the report, 52% of respondents now express "very little" or "none at all" confidence in the federal government, a significant increase from the 34% recorded in 2016. This institutional erosion is even more pronounced in Congress, where 56% of those surveyed expressed a lack of faith, compared to 48% in 2019.

This trend of institutional decay helps explain the political shifts seen in recent decades, which have fueled the rise of anti-establishment figures across the political spectrum, from Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders to local leaders like New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Even the U.S. military, which remains the most trusted institution in the country, has seen a pronounced drop in support, according to the findings.

A 64% Skepticism Toward National News Media

Trust in the information and judicial ecosystems is also at a historic low. the poll found that 64% of adults have little to no confidence in the natinoal news media, with only 11% expressing a great deal of faith. This skepticism extends to the Supreme Court, where 40% of registered voters reported having very little or no confidence in the justices.

While educational institutions, including public schools and colleges, are viewed comparatively better than the media, they still face significant portions of the public expressing little to no confidence in their ability to serve. This widespread doubt suggests a crisis of confidence not just in specific policies, but in the very systems of governance and technology that define modern American life.

The 78% Barrier to the American Dream

Economic anxiety is a primary driver of this national discontent and appears to be a broad-based issue. The survey,sponsored by the nonprofit More Perfect, indicates that 78% of adults believe the American Dream is harder to achieve today than it was for the previous generation, marking a 9-point increase since 2016. this sentiment crosses various demographic lines, suggesting a widespread anxiety about social and economic mobility.

This shift is often linked to the political and social tumult of the post-2008 era, shaped by the financial crisis, "forever wars," and the recent devastating COVID-19 pandemic. These events have contributed to a pervasive sense of decline that colors how citizens view the nation's trajectory.

The Constitutional Split Ahead of the 250th Anniversary

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the data leaves several critical questions about the stability of the American experiment. Respondents are nearly evenly split on whether the U.S. Constitution has successfully stood the test of time, and many believe the country is falling short on key tenets of democracy. It remains unverified if the current level of partisan and generatiional division will prevent a unified response to these challenges.

While the report notes a willingness among citizens to engage with one another despite their differences, it remains to be seen if this grassroots dialogue can restore the "rising sun" of civic values. Democratic pollster Jeff Horwitt suggested that while institutional faith may be setting,the enduring values of the citizens might still be rising, suggesting the path forward may depend on fostering purpose from the ground up rather than through distant institutions.