Americans doubt – As the U.S. prepares to mark 250 years since its founding on July 4, a Reuters/Ipsos survey shows many Americans question whether the country can survive another 250 years. The doubts cut across party lines, alongside sharp worries about inflation, the cost of
On the eve of America’s 250th birthday, the mood at the White House doesn’t match the mood in the country.
For the July 4 celebrations—an event shaped by President Donald Trump’s presence. an already-scrambled concert plan. and a rally scheduled for the National Mall—Trump is leaning into spectacle. But a new Reuters/Ipsos survey suggests a growing number of Americans are bracing for something far less stable than a milestone anniversary.
The poll, conducted among 1,537 U.S. adults from June 12 to June 15, found that 38% of Americans don’t believe the country would continue to exist in its current form for another 250 years. The split is stark and political: 40% of Democrats and 26% of Republicans share that belief.
That sense of fragility is paired with worry that failure is already within reach. Sixty-four percent of Americans say the nation could be headed for failure, up from 57% just 10 months ago. While the figure is high among Democrats—85%—it is not confined to one party, with 50% of Republicans also agreeing.
The doubts arrive with Trump’s July 4 calendar already underway. The day is set to include an appearance by Trump himself as the headliner after a number of musical artists pulled out of the planned concert series. Trump also marked his 80th birthday earlier, with an event at the White House that featured a UFC fight.
On Monday. Trump used Truth Social to lay out plans for his July Fourth “TRIBUTE TO AMERICA” rally. scheduled for the National Mall. The celebration is also tied to a two-week-long fair planned by Freedom 250—a group Trump created—that is set to feature religious. conservative. and anti-LGBTQ groups. Trump’s face will appear on America 250-themed passports and coinage as well.
Still, many Americans say they don’t want the White House’s version of patriotism. More than three-quarters (77%) of Democrats and half of Republicans (51%) told pollsters that the planned celebrations are too political. Fifty-five percent also said they are not likely to “attend or view” an America 250 event.
The question of national continuity may be the headline number, but the day-to-day anxieties seem to be pressing harder. Seventy-seven percent of Americans said they believe political violence is likely to escalate over the next five years. Inflation is also near the top of the list: 70% disapprove of the way Trump is handling inflation. followed by cost of living (69%) and the economy (63%).
Overall, 62% say they disapprove of the way Trump is doing his job on the whole. The survey’s tone suggests that for many Americans, the worry isn’t distant—it’s immediate, and it isn’t easily moved by the pageantry of a 250-year anniversary.
America 250 Reuters/Ipsos poll political violence inflation cost of living economy Trump July 4 celebrations Freedom 250 National Mall
250 years? lol no way.
I feel like people are just tired and the economy is wrecked, so that makes sense. But also why is Trump making July 4 into UFC vibes and concerts falling apart? Like, maybe stop focusing on spectacle.
38% doesn’t sound that bad, it’s only like… what 1 out of 3? And the poll was 1,537 adults so I’m guessing that’s like mostly people who already complain on Facebook. Failure is within reach? I mean we’ve always had inflation worries. Also they said it was up from 57% like 10 months ago but inflation changes every week so…
If Republicans already think the country will fail then that’s on the Democrats right? Wait no that’s probably on both, but I’m not sure. Either way, the fact they’re doing a “tribute” rally on the National Mall while the concert plan is scrambled is just proof it’s all falling apart. And UFC at 80th birthday?? America can’t even pick music artists anymore. 250 years is a joke if the prices don’t chill.