A recent AP-NORC Center poll found that only about 25-30% of Americans believe the United States is better than every other country, down from 19% in 2016 [1, 2]. Meanwhile, 44% describe the US as one of the world’s greatest countries alongside others, and nearly 30% say some countries are better than the US [1, 2].
Confidence in American exceptionalism is sharply divided by age and political party. Among Americans under 30, 44% say other countries are better than the US, compared with only 22% of those aged 60 and older [1]. Republicans are far more likely to view the US as superior, with nearly half holding that belief, while only 7% of Democrats agree [1].
Regarding the American dream, 51% of Americans say it is no longer true that "anyone can get ahead if they work hard," while 34% still believe the dream remains valid [2]. Among Republicans, 57% believe the American dream still holds, compared to just 17% of Democrats [2].
The April 2026 poll also measured President Donald Trump’s approval. His overall approval rating is 33%, with 67% disapproval. On the economy, 70% disapprove of his handling, while 30% approve [2].
The survey was conducted April 16-20, 2026, among 2,596 US adults [2]. The AP-NORC Center report noted a margin of error of plus or minus 2.6 percentage points at the 95% confidence level [2].
Results were publicly reported on June 8, 2026 [1]. The data capture a continued decline in beliefs about American exceptionalism and faith in the American dream along clear generational and partisan lines.
