American Pride Falls to 25-Year Record Low

The scoop

Only 33% of U.S. adults say they are "extremely proud" to be American, a 25-year low since Gallup began tracking in 2001, down from 55% initially and 65-70% after 9/11. The decline accelerated recently, falling 8 points in the past year alone, with stark partisan splits: 70% of Republicans versus just 14% of Democrats express extreme pride. Reader discussion reflects varied interpretations, from concerns about national decline to philosophical questions about whether declining nationalism might be healthier.