Americans’ Views on National Pride Change as 250th Anniversary Approaches

In a recent AP-NORC poll, Democrats have shown more pride in America’s pop culture than in its armed forces. This shift happens as the nation nears its 250th anniversary. The findings highlight a growing cultural and partisan divide regarding what best represents American identity.

Democrats, Republicans, and independents appear to be celebrating different symbols of national pride. This reflects in how the country commemorates major milestones and how future political debates might unfold. Over the past decade, pride in the military has declined sharply, predominantly among Democrats, though pride in cultural contributions remains relatively steady.

Pride in America’s armed forces (78% vs. 59%), history (58% vs. 44%), democracy (42% vs. 28%), and political influence on the world (34% vs. 24%) have all dropped over the past decade.

Democrats’ pride in the military has declined from 74% during President Donald Trump’s first term in 2017 to just 42% today, according to the poll. Overall, U.S. adults have shown a decrease in pride compared to the 2017 report.

Pop Culture Pride Surpasses Military Pride Among Democrats

Democrats are now the only major political group that doesn’t rank the military among their top sources of national pride. Around 9 in 10 Republicans remain extremely or very proud of the armed forces. Democrats’ pride in the military has decreased by over 30 points since 2017.

Meanwhile, Democrats’ pride in American pop culture has remained stable. In fact, it is now roughly equal to Republicans’ pride in the same category, making it one of the few areas where the parties align.

This emphasizes how cultural products such as music, film, television, and fashion have become a preferred expression of patriotism for Democrats.

A Decade-Long Decline in Institutional Pride

The decrease in military pride is part of a broader trend where Americans view national institutions less favorably. Pride in democracy, history, and political influence has fallen across the board, with Democrats showing the most significant declines.

Compared to a 2017 AP-NORC Poll during Trump’s first term, adults are feeling less pride in several aspects of the country.

Democrats’ declining pride in the military coincides with frustration over political polarization, foreign conflicts, and domestic inequities, reflected in interviews included in the poll.

Republicans Still Anchor Their Identity in the Military

Republicans remain steadfast in their pride for the armed forces, with nearly 90% feeling extremely or very proud. This aligns with broader Republican views:

• Republicans are more likely to describe America as “great, prosperous, or powerful.”
• They are more likely to fly the American flag daily or on holidays.
• They are more likely to say being an American is “extremely” important to their identity.

The military continues to serve as a core symbol of patriotism for Republicans.

What This Means for America’s 250th Anniversary

As the country marks this milestone, these divides shape how Americans celebrate. According to the poll:

• About 4 in 10 adults feel “proud” about the anniversary.
• Democrats are far more likely to feel “conflicted.”
• Republicans are far more likely to feel “excited.”

The military will be featured prominently in official celebrations, including flyovers and ceremonies. However, Democrats seem more likely to connect with cultural programming and storytelling that highlight America’s diversity and creative legacy.

Identity, Pride, and the Future of Patriotism

The poll reveals Americans are redefining what patriotism looks like. For Democrats, pride is shifting towards cultural expression. For Republicans, the military remains central to national identity. Independents fall between these perspectives.

As the U.S. enters its next chapter, these differences will influence not only political debates but also how Americans tell the story of their country—and which symbols they celebrate.

Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Jenni Fink and Sam Wilson.