Recent polls reveal a concerning decline in American patriotism, with historically low numbers of adults expressing extreme pride in their nation. A Gallup poll indicates only 39% of adults feel "extremely proud" to be American, barely surpassing the record low of 2022. This figure represents a significant drop from the 65%-70% recorded in the years following the 9/11 attacks.
This decline in national pride mirrors a growing pessimism about the country's future. A Fox News poll shows nearly half of Americans believe the nation's best days are behind it, a stark contrast to the sentiment in 2012. Age appears to be a significant factor, with older Americans reporting higher levels of patriotism compared to younger generations. While 50% of those aged 55 and older express extreme pride, this number dwindles to 18% for those aged 18-34.
This trend extends beyond national pride to encompass patriotism itself. Since 1998, the percentage of Americans who consider patriotism "very important" has plummeted from 70% to 38%, according to a Wall Street Journal/NORC survey.
The "Fox & Friends" co-hosts discussed these findings, exploring the potential reasons behind this shift in national sentiment. Host Rachel Campos-Duffy suggested that younger Americans are exposed to negative portrayals of the nation's founders in educational settings. Co-host Brian Kilmeade expressed concern about the overall direction of this trend.
Political affiliation also plays a role, with Republicans reporting significantly higher levels of extreme pride (60%) compared to Democrats (29%) and Independents (33%). Campos-Duffy highlighted the potential impact on military recruitment, questioning who would be willing to serve a country they don't love, especially in a volunteer-based military.
Republican presidential candidate Sen. Tim Scott attributed the negative outlook to narratives promoted by the Democratic Party regarding structural racism and victimhood. He advocated for a more truthful engagement with American history, emphasizing the nation's ability to overcome challenges and achieve progress.
