Poll Finds 38% of Democrats Say They Are Ashamed to Be American

A new Economist/YouGov survey released ahead of America’s 250th anniversary found sharp partisan differences in national pride, with Democrats far more likely than Republicans to say they feel ashamed to be American.

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

A new national survey conducted weeks before America’s 250th anniversary found that nearly four in 10 Democrats say they are ashamed to be American, while Republicans overwhelmingly report pride in the country.

The Economist/YouGov survey, conducted June 13-15, found that 38% of Democrats said they are either somewhat or very ashamed to be American. The figure includes 26% who said they are “somewhat ashamed” and 12% who said they are “very ashamed.”

Among all U.S. adult citizens surveyed, 20% said they are ashamed to be American, including 12% who said they are somewhat ashamed and 8% who said they are very ashamed.

The findings were highlighted in an X post as the country prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of its founding.

The survey also found that some Democrats still express pride in being American. Twenty-two percent said they are “very proud,” while 18% said they are “somewhat proud.” Another 22% said they are neither proud nor ashamed.

Among all respondents, national pride remained the majority view. Forty-two percent said they are very proud to be American, and 18% said they are somewhat proud. Another 20% said they are neither proud nor ashamed.

Republicans were far more likely to express strong national pride. Seventy-eight percent of Republicans said they are very proud to be American, while 15% said they are somewhat proud. Only 3% of Republicans said they are ashamed, including 1% who said they are very ashamed and 2% who said they are somewhat ashamed.

Four percent of Republicans said they are neither proud nor ashamed.

The poll also asked respondents how they think the United States compares with other countries.

Forty-five percent of Democrats said America compares poorly, including 25% who said it is worse than average, 14% who said it is among the worst and 6% who said it is the worst country in the world.

Among all U.S. citizens surveyed, 54% said the United States is either the greatest country in the world, among the greatest or better than average. That total includes 21% who called America the greatest country in the world, 20% who said it is among the greatest and 13% who said it is better than average.

The survey included 1,549 respondents and had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.

The results show a wide partisan divide over national pride and the country’s standing in the world as the United States approaches its semiquincentennial celebration.