Opinion Today
July 3, 2026
What Americans think about the revolution, 250 years later David Montgomery, YouGov At the 250th anniversary of the 1776 Declaration of Independence, Americans are united in viewing independence as a good thing — but divided over what, exactly, the American Revolution means.
As U.S. Nears Its 250th Birthday, Nearly 3/4 Still Say They’re Proud To Be American: I&I/TIPP Poll Terry Jones, tippinsights The Fourth of July is usually a time for fireworks, picnics, and, for some, quiet reflection on what it means to be an American. But this Fourth is special, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. Are Americans still proud of what they’ve built? A solid majority says yes, the latest I&I/TIPP Poll shows.
America 250: The American Flag Maryann Cousens and Tina Tang, Navigator Research This Navigator Research report covers how Americans view the symbolism of the American flag.
Billionaires, Corporate Landlords, and AI Companies Are Seen As Among the Worst Actors in U.S. Society Data for Progress Americans are generally pessimistic about the state of their country. Previous Data for Progress polling has found that a majority of voters think life in the U.S. is getting worse, and that this low national mood stems from a variety of factors, including the cost of living, social division, authoritarianism, and wealth inequality. To build upon this research and better understand which actors and institutions are viewed as having the most negative effects on the country, Data for Progress conducted two surveys to evaluate how 40 different actors are impacting the U.S. economy and society.
Voters Oppose Letting the White House Overrule Scientists on Research Funding Data for Progress The Office of Management and Budget proposed government-wide rules requiring that federally funded research "advance the President's policy priorities" and giving White House officials final approval over grants, with the power to overrule scientists' recommendations. New Data for Progress polling finds voters reject this change and want research funding decided on scientific merit.
Presidential Approval on the Path to the Midterm: The Pattern is That There is No Pattern Kyle Kondik, Sabato’s Crystal Ball • One wouldn’t expect the president to get much of an approval boost from the nation’s 250th anniversary, particularly as he handles it in a highly partisan way. • The president’s approval numbers, much like gas prices, are a little better lately, but still worse than they were before the attack on Iran. • There is not a consistent pattern for postwar presidential approval from July 1 to the midterm, and in recent years a president’s approval hasn’t changed much over the last four months of the campaign.
