As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, a new national poll suggests Americans remain deeply divided not only on politics but also on how they view patriotism, national pride, and the celebration of Independence Day.
The Reuters/Ipsos survey, conducted June 12–15 among 1,537 American adults, found significant differences between Republicans and Democrats regarding the meaning of July 4 and how they intend to mark the holiday.
One of the most striking findings involved displays of the American flag. According to the poll, 64 percent of Republicans said they planned to display an American flag or patriotic bunting outside their homes this Independence Day. Among Democrats, that figure was 27 percent.
The survey also found a sharp divide in how Americans interpret the holiday itself.
Nearly two-thirds of Republicans, 65 percent, said July 4 is primarily “a day where I celebrate the United States of America.” Only 24 percent of Democrats selected that response.
Democrats and independents were more likely to view the holiday as less significant. Both groups were 11 percentage points more likely than Republicans to describe Independence Day as “just like any other day.”
The differences extended to planned holiday activities.
Republicans reported substantially higher participation rates in traditional patriotic celebrations. Fifty-two percent said they planned to wear red, white, and blue clothing, compared to 20 percent of Democrats. Nearly half of Republicans, 46 percent, said they intended to attend a fireworks display, while 28 percent of Democrats planned to do so.
Attendance at parades and community festivals also showed a partisan gap. Twenty percent of Republicans reported plans to attend such events, compared with just 9 percent of Democrats.
Perhaps most notably, nearly one-quarter of Democrats and independents—24 percent—said they do not plan to celebrate Independence Day at all. Among Republicans, only 8 percent said the same.
The survey also explored broader attitudes about the country itself.
When asked whether the United States is the greatest country in the world, 62 percent of Republicans agreed. Among Democrats, only 11 percent expressed that view.
The findings add to a growing body of research suggesting that Americans increasingly view national identity, patriotism, and civic traditions through a partisan lens.
A recent Fox News survey conducted ahead of the nation’s semiquincentennial found that many voters believe the country is united less by common values than by political and cultural differences. Overall, 58 percent of respondents said Americans are divided by different values, while 42 percent said they share common values.
Democrats and independents were particularly likely to perceive deep divisions. Sixty-two percent of Democrats and 65 percent of independents said Americans are separated by different values. Republicans were almost evenly divided, with 49 percent saying Americans share common values and 50 percent saying they are divided by different ones.
