As the United States nears its 250th anniversary of independence from the British Empire, a recent Reuters/Ipsos survey reveals that two out of five Americans do not believe the country will still exist in another 250 years.
The survey, conducted over four days from last Thursday to Monday, comes amid divisive celebrations linked to President Donald Trump‘s involvement in the upcoming July 4th festivities.
Next month marks the 250th anniversary since the founding fathers declared independence from Britain, the world’s largest empire at the time.
Trump has positioned himself at the center of many anniversary-related events, including hosting a “cage match” at the White House on his birthday Sunday.
On Monday, he announced he would be the main attraction at a July 4th celebration in Washington, which is expected to serve as a political rally for Republicans as they seek to maintain control of Congress in the upcoming midterm elections.
Trump has framed his presidency as a mission to save America from destruction by rival Democrats, while Democratic leaders argue that Trump himself poses a threat to democracy, claiming he uses federal law enforcement agencies to target political critics.
About 38% of survey respondents, including 40% of Democrats and 26% of Republicans, expressed doubt that the U.S. will remain a single state in 250 years. Conversely, 62% believe their nation will endure.
Concerns Over Democracy’s Viability
Two-thirds of respondents, including 85% of Democrats and 50% of Republicans, agree that American democracy is at risk of failing.
This sentiment reflects a rise from August of the previous year when only 57% expressed similar concerns, driven largely by Republican apprehension regarding democracy’s sustainability.
For years, Trump has falsely claimed that his 2020 election loss was due to widespread voter fraud, pushing for changes in election legislation.
Around 77% of respondents believe political violence is likely to increase in the next five years.
Perception of American Greatness Declines
The survey also indicates a decline in the number of Americans who view their country as a global benchmark. Approximately 30% of respondents believe the U.S. is the greatest country in the world, down from 38% in a November 2017 Reuters/Ipsos survey during Trump’s first term.
The percentage of Democrats holding this view has fallen to 11% from 26%, while Republican sentiment remains stable, with about six in ten still considering the U.S. the greatest.
A majority of Americans, including three-quarters of Democrats and half of Republicans, believe that the events commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary have become overly politicized.
Americans are also divided on more trivial matters like how to celebrate Independence Day, with approximately 52% of Republicans stating they will wear red, white, and blue—colors of the U.S. flag—compared to just 20% of Democrats.
Additionally, Republicans are more likely than Democrats to indicate they plan to attend a fireworks show—46% compared to 28%.
The online survey gathered responses from 1,537 adults in the U.S., and the results have a margin of error of 3 percentage points in either direction.
