70 percent of young Americans not proud of where US is heading as nation: Poll

A majority of young Americans don’t have pride in the direction of their country, a newly released poll suggests.

In a survey conducted by American University’s Sine Institute of Policy & Politics and published Tuesday, 70 percent of respondents — aged 18 to 34 — said they weren’t proud of “where America is heading as a nation.” A similar number, 71 percent, said the same when asked about the state of the U.S. today.

The American University poll surveyed younger millennials and adult Generation Z members, which the study characterized as a demographic that has grown up amid significant political strife. The age group lived through prominent events ranging from the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, 59 percent of respondents also said they felt proud of the U.S. as it relates to “what [it] has been in the past.”

“Young people are navigating a rapidly changing America while carrying responsibilities that often extend far beyond themselves,” Molly O’Rourke, the institute’s senior advisor, said in a report of its findings. “Their views on the state of our country … tell an important story about this generation.”

The survey’s release comes amid growing doubt among the American public surrounding the Trump administration’s handling of U.S.’s war in Iran, rising living costs and immigration, among other concerns. It also marked the 250th anniversary of the U.S.’s founding.

Per a polling average from Decision Desk HQ, the president’s approval rating was sitting at 39.2 percent on Tuesday evening, with his disapproval rating at 57.20 percent.

American University ‘s poll took place from July 23 to Aug. 1 and featured 1,031 respondents.