A new Harvard Institute of Politics poll has revealed a striking generational and partisan divide in how young Americans feel about their country, with just 24% of young Democrats expressing pride in being American—compared to a whopping 76% of young Republicans who say they’re proud of their national identity.
The survey, conducted between March 14 and March 25, included 2,096 Americans aged 18 to 29 and paints a picture of a generation deeply divided not just by politics, but by values, identity, and outlook on the future.
Among Democrat respondents, more than half—54%—said they are embarrassed to be American, with another 21% saying they feel neutral. By contrast, only 8% of Republicans reported feeling embarrassed, while 16% were neutral.
This ideological chasm suggests that the idea of national pride has become deeply politicized, with one side increasingly embracing patriotism and traditional values, while the other questions the moral standing of the U.S. on the global stage.
The poll also highlighted young Americans’ growing distrust of government institutions. Across all political affiliations:
- Only 19% said they trust the federal government to do what’s right.
- Just 18% trust Congress.
- 23% trust the president.
- 29% trust the Supreme Court.
These figures underscore the deep cynicism and disillusionment many young people feel toward American leadership and institutions—sentiments that may be fueling the erosion of national pride.
When asked what values define America:
- 35% of all respondents said “individual rights and freedoms.”
- Young Democrats emphasized “diversity and inclusion” (28%) and “democracy and civic participation” (22%).
- Young Republicans pointed to “economic opportunity and upward mobility” (27%) and “Christian values” (21%).
The findings illustrate a fundamental clash over the soul of the nation, with the left emphasizing progressivism and systemic critique, while the right insists on traditional frameworks and faith-based ideals.
Beyond politics, the poll found only 17% of young Americans feel a strong connection to their communities. Less than half said they feel any sense of belonging where they live—reflecting growing concerns over social fragmentation and isolation.
The poll also reflects shifting attitudes toward traditional milestones:
- Just 48% see having children as important.
- Only 57% of young people value getting married.
Here again, politics plays a role:
- Among young Republicans, 75% value marriage and 69% prioritize children.
- Among young Democrats, the numbers fall to 56% and 43%, respectively.
In short, the Harvard poll reveals a generation not only politically divided but fundamentally at odds about the meaning of being American—a gap that could shape national politics for decades to come.
READ NEXT: Yale Poll Reveals Youngest Eligible Voters Favor The GOP
There are other countries in the world they might like if they like communism. How about North Korea or China? Cuba or Venezuela? Let us know how you like them.
Per Harvard, sharp divide among young people. Hum? Should we all be surprised at a HAARVVVARRD pole noting a divide? Well, objectively NOT! Poles are so easy to slant and the polsters must think like they usually do that we are way to dumb to understand what they are doing. So put this pole in the trash can is my advice. Written poles up myself and I do know a bit too as an oldster!
Youth Votes RED