As the United States nears its 250th birthday, a new Daily Mail survey points to a country sharply split over how exceptional it remains, with partisan divisions over patriotism appearing more pronounced than ever.
The Daily Mail/JL Partners poll found that 68 percent of Americans still view the U.S. as the world’s leading nation. But that broad figure conceals a stark political divide: 91 percent of Republicans agree, while just 53 percent of Democrats say the same.
Confidence dims when Americans are asked to look ahead. Fewer than half, 44 percent, believe the nation’s best years are still to come, while only 29 percent say America’s greatest era has already passed.
Republicans were again far more upbeat about the country’s trajectory, with 66 percent expecting better days ahead, compared with 34 percent of Democrats.
When asked to imagine the nation centuries from now, 58 percent said they believe the American flag will still be flying in another 250 years. Among Democrats, however, that confidence falls below half, at 49 percent.
For those who doubt the republic will endure, economic collapse was the leading fear, cited by 22 percent. Nuclear war followed at 16 percent, civil war at 10 percent, and, notably, an artificial intelligence takeover at 9 percent.
Still, only 37 percent of respondents believe the country is gaining strength. Another 21 percent say it is standing still, while 33 percent think America is clearly moving in the wrong direction.
That question produced one of the clearest partisan contrasts: 64 percent of Republicans said America is on the rise, compared with just 23 percent of Democrats.

The crowd cheered ballistically after the flyovers passed overhead

A new Daily Mail/JL Partners poll found that 69 percent of Americans believe their nation reigns supreme, but the figure masks a chasm between the parties: a thumping 91 percent of Republicans agree, compared with barely half of Democrats at 53 percent

The uncertainty from Americans comes amid Donald Trump’s confrontation with Iran, as well as tensions with NATO allies in Europe over the war in Ukraine
On the kitchen-table question of personal finances, the nation splits almost evenly three ways: 34 percent feel better off than four years ago, 29 percent about the same, and 33 percent worse off.
A clear majority, 58 percent, sense the country is hurtling toward a crisis, a fear shared by 76 percent of Democrats but just 37 percent of Republicans.
The uncertainty comes amid Donald Trump’s confrontation with Iran, as well as tensions with NATO allies in Europe over the war in Ukraine.
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Anxiety is mounting, too, with 47 percent more fearful about America’s future than they were a year ago, while only 22 percent feel calmer and another 22 percent unchanged.
The poll was conducted between June 19-21 and surveyed 1,042 registered voters online, with a margin of error of 3.1 percent.
Trump kicked off America’s 250th birthday celebrations in Washington earlier this week, with stealth bomber and fighter jet flyovers and opera and classic American rock performances on the National Mall.

The Patrouille de France flyers of the French Air and Space Force trail colored smoke as they fly near the National Mall as part of events marking the 250th anniversary of the United States

Trump spoke at a rally to kick off the 16-day Great American State Fair as part of the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations

Thousands gathered for the event celebrating the country’s 250th birthday to listen to President Donald Trump. The President reiterated the US economy is strong amid concerns among voters about the evonomy
The 80-year-old President delivered remarks touting American prosperity while on the National Mall at the opening ceremony of the Great American State Fair on Wednesday evening.
Speaking from a stage in front of the Washington Monument, flanked by fair booths along the green lawn dubbed ‘America’s Front Yard,’ where all 50 US states and six territories are represented, Trump promised a fiscal renaissance.
‘We are beginning the most unforgettable birthday party any country has ever seen,’ Trump declared.
‘America’s 250th year is set for an economic boom, the likes of which no nation has ever seen before,’ Trump said, claiming gas prices would soon drop further because of his negotiations with Iran to end the war.
Past Daily Mail/JL Partners polls have shown that voters’ top concerns heading into the November midterms are affordability, inflation, and the economy.
Back on stage, Trump promised a slew of patriotic festivities that could take voters’ minds away from the economy, ranging from a grand prix down DC’s Pennsylvania Avenue to the largest fireworks show ever done for Independence Day.
‘Today we have the largest economy on earth, we have the strongest military on earth, we have the most powerful technology on earth, we have the greatest culture on earth, and above all, we have the greatest people on earth,’ Trump declared.