As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in July, new polling reveals a stark shift in patriotism among younger generations. A Deseret News/Hinckley Institute survey by Morning Consult found that Gen Z and millennials—those born after 1996—are significantly less likely to describe themselves as patriotic than older generations. This age-based divide could reshape how civic engagement and national identity are formed across generations. While 69% of U.S. voters nationally described themselves as somewhat or very patriotic, the gap widens with age: 56% of 18-34-year-olds identify as patriotic, rising to 61% among 35-44-year-olds and 67% for those aged 45-64. Among the oldest cohort, 86% consistently identified as patriotic, highlighting a clear generational gradient. However, the findings also reveal a partisan divide: Republicans reported an even higher level of patriotism (82%) compared to Democrats (61%), underscoring how expressions of patriotism are increasingly shaped by political ideology rather than remaining a shared civic sentiment.
This trend reflects deeper changes in political upbringing and institutional trust. Younger Americans, who came of age during intense political polarization, may feel disillusioned with national identity and civic institutions. Education is another factor; while older generations received America-positive narratives from schools, Millennials and Gen Z tend to prioritize critical historical analysis and systemic challenges. Professor Matthew Wilson argues that this shift signals a redefinition of what patriotism means—moving away from traditional expressions toward a more contested concept. Despite these changes, polls show that patriotism remains widespread, though its distribution is no longer uniform across generations. The decline in intensity suggests a broader trend where national pride is being redefined through partisan discourse rather than remaining a shared value.
