U.S. — NPR, PBS News, and Marist conducted a poll regarding American pride as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026. The poll found that 65% of respondents identified as "proud" or "very proud" to be American. Among those surveyed, 93% of Republicans expressed pride, compared to 45% of Democrats.

The findings incorporate perspectives from voters participating in the Swing Shift project, which includes individuals with a history of voting for candidates from both major political parties. NPR agreed not to disclose the full names of these voters.

John, a voter from Pennsylvania and participant in the Swing Shift project, stated in a voice memo that he is proud to be an American despite the country's imperfections. "The answer is yes. I am proud to be an American. It's a very imperfect country. There's a lot that still needs to be worked on, a lot that still needs to be done," John said.

Wally, a voter from Georgia in the project who voted for Trump in 2024, said he would answer yes to being proud, but with qualifications. "I would still say, yes, here, but with some slight embarrassment," Wally said. He added, "I feel we're drifting further and further away from what we're founded on. America has turned into a free-for-all of sorts. People are anxious over the future, and we're seeing in the political sphere, elected officials essentially getting richer and richer off the backs of hardworking Americans and using their status to look after themselves and not their constituents."

Evan, a voter from Wisconsin in the project, expressed a mix of pride and regret. "I do have some pride to be an American. However, I also have a lot of shame," Evan said. Evan, who grew up as a Republican and voted Democratic for the first time in 2024, stated: "The government is not working for people or the population anymore. They're working for themselves, corporations and other countries."

Why It Matters

The sentiment of American pride among voters is being measured as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. The NPR, PBS News, and Marist poll, along with insights from the Swing Shift voters, provides data on how national identity is perceived across different political affiliations.