Most Americans Think Founding Fathers Would Be Disappointed as 250th Birthday Nears—Only 2 in 10 Say They'd Be Pleased

The United States will mark the Semiquincentennial—250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence—in 2026. [1] According to a survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, about 4 in 10 U.S. adults say they feel "proud" about the anniversary, and roughly 3 in 10 say "excited" describes their feelings. [2]

But a separate Gallup poll shows that most Americans now believe the signers of the Declaration of Independence would be disappointed with how the country has turned out. About 8 in 10 Americans say the signers would be disappointed, while only about 2 in 10 say they would be pleased. [2] That number has risen sharply from 25 years ago, when 55% believed the signers would be disappointed and 44% thought they would be pleased. [2]

The feelings are sharply divided along party lines. About 7 in 10 Republicans say pride describes their emotions. Among independents, that number drops to about 3 in 10. Only about 2 in 10 Democrats feel the same way. [2] Older Americans, those ages 60 and older, are also mostly proud, with about 6 in 10 saying this describes how they feel. [2]

More Democrats and young people say "conflicted" or "indifferent" describes their feelings. About 4 in 10 Democrats and roughly 3 in 10 adults under 30 say "conflicted" fits "extremely" or "very" well. [2]

Historians note that the celebration comes at a time of deep political division, with trust in major institutions at historic lows. [1] One historian described the 250th as "a stress test for American democracy." [1]

Despite the mixed emotions, just under half of U.S. adults, 44%, plan to celebrate by spending time with friends or family. About 3 in 10 plan to watch coverage on television or social media. [2]