A Reuters/Ipsos nationwide online poll of 1,537 US adults conducted from June 12-15 found that 38% of Americans do not believe the United States will remain a unified country 250 years from now, while 62% believe it will last that long [1, 2, 3, 4]. The survey coincides with looming 250th anniversary celebrations of US independence.
Doubts about the US’s future unity are more pronounced among Democrats, with 40% expressing skepticism about lasting unity after 250 years. Among Republicans, 26% share this doubt [1, 2, 3, 4].
The poll also revealed increased anxiety over American democracy, with 64% stating they believe democracy in the US is at risk of failing, up from 57% in a similar poll last August [2, 4]. This concern cuts across party lines: 85% of Democrats and 50% of Republicans agree democracy is at risk [1, 2, 3, 4].
Political violence is another major worry. Seventy-seven percent of respondents believe political violence in the US is likely to increase over the next five years [1, 4]. Additionally, only 30% of Americans now consider the US the world's greatest country, down from 38% in 2017 [2, 4].
As the nation prepares to mark its 250th anniversary on July 4, former President Donald Trump has positioned himself prominently in the celebrations. On June 14, Trump held a White House cage match event on his birthday as part of the independence milestones [1, 3]. He said, "I will be the main attraction at a July 4 celebration in Washington that will also serve as a political rally for the Republican party" [1]. The event is expected to be a major political rally for Republicans ahead of the midterm elections [1, 3, 4].
Trump frames his presidency as defending the country from Democrats who he claims want to destroy it. Democrats counter by accusing Trump of threatening democracy and using federal law enforcement against political opponents [1, 3, 4].
The poll highlights stark divisions and worries amid the historic anniversary. The 250th anniversary celebration in Washington on July 4 will deepen political focus as Trump leads the Republican rally and national concerns about unity and democracy remain high.
