Gallup Finds 77% Say Founders Would Be Disappointed at U.S. 250th Anniversary
Updated
Updated · Gallup · Jun 24
Gallup Finds 77% Say Founders Would Be Disappointed at U.S. 250th Anniversary
3 articles · Updated · Gallup · Jun 24
Summary
A May 2026 Gallup survey found 77% of Americans think the Declaration signers would be disappointed with the country today, while just 19% say they would be pleased.
That pessimism has deepened over time: the “pleased” share has fallen from 54% in 2001 to 19%, and the “disappointed” share has risen from 42% to 77%.
Americans judged the broader national record more favorably, with 69% saying the U.S. has achieved its founding ideals at least a fair amount, including 20% who said a great deal.
Partisan gaps persisted but did not overturn the broader mood: 25% of Republicans, 21% of independents and 13% of Democrats said the founders would be pleased.
Gallup said the split suggests Americans distinguish between 250 years of progress and dissatisfaction with the country’s current condition as it nears its 250th birthday.