Only 1 in 4 Americans Consider the U.S. Exceptional

In a survey released by the Associated Press‑NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, just 25 % of U.S. adults say the country stands above all other nations. Forty‑four percent view the U.S. as one of the greatest countries, while 30 % believe there are better countries. The study, conducted between April 16–20 regarding the nation’s 250th anniversary, signals a shift in how people see America’s place in the world.

Age is a decisive factor. Among adults under 30, 44 % say other nations are better, whereas only 22 % of those 60 and older hold that view. Likewise, the belief that a democratically elected government is central to the U.S. identity has fallen from 80 % in 2021 to about 60 % now. Two‑thirds consider it highly important, down from 80 %. The decline is most pronounced among younger respondents.

Political affiliation also shapes attitudes. Republicans are the most optimistic: roughly half say the U.S. stands above all others, and 57 % say the American Dream still holds. Democrats, in contrast, have more doubts: only 15 % affirm the Dream, and a mere 7 % perceive exceptionalism. Independents fall somewhere in between. These splits mirror broader national conversations about governance, opportunity, and identity.

While 51 % say the American Dream is a relic of the past, older generations argue its relevance. Thirty‑two percent of those 60 and older maintain belief in the Dream, compared to just 22 %. The sentiment is especially muted among those who have experienced the workforce’s challenges.

The poll also examined public trust in leadership. President Donald Trump’s approval rating sits at a low 33 %, far below the 67 % disapproval. Viewers of the campaign express divided approval of his handling of the economy, with 30 % approval and 70 % disapproval.

These findings arrive as the country prepares for festivities celebrating 250 years of history. While the nation’s symbolic celebrations tug at patriotic threads, the poll suggests that a growing number of Americans are questioning the narratives that have long underpinned national identity, especially in the eyes of the younger and more politically diverse populations.

For many, the sense that America’s founding principles are eroding comes from a perception that the government no longer reflects the will of its citizens. One 24‑year‑old from Chickasaw, Alabama, said, “It’s the people that are actually being put in office that is the problem.” Across the spectrum, participants call for reforms— term limits, greater representation, and a renewed focus on democratic values.

In sum, the poll reflects a cultural moment: a nation celebrating constitutional milestones but grappling with a question‑marked national identity. The continued dialogue around these themes will shape the stories people tell about America during its 250th year and beyond.