America approaches 250 with its best days in doubt

Most Americans say the country's best days are behind it as the U.S. approaches its 250th birthday, even as they're personally hopeful about the future.

Why it matters: A new Pew Research Center analysis reveals national pessimism, fueled by political polarization and institutional distrust. But the findings also show the American spirit isn't completely broken.

By the numbers: Nearly 7 in 10 U.S. adults said in January 2026 they were dissatisfied with the way things are going in the country, compared with 29% who were satisfied, Pew found.

• 59% say the country's best years are behind it, while 40% say they are ahead.
• Only 50% said in January that the year ahead would be better than the year that just ended — the lowest share in Pew surveys dating back to 2020.
• Two-thirds of Americans think the country will be more politically divided by 2050.

Zoom out: Pew placed today's sour mood inside a broader erosion of public confidence.

• Americans have become less trusting in recent decades — not only of one another, but of the federal government, both major parties, mainstream media, colleges and universities, and other major institutions, Pew found.
• Compared with people in other countries, Americans also express more negative views about how their democracy is working and more doubt about whether fellow citizens have good morals.

Yes, but: Nearly as many Americans say they are optimistic about the country's future as say they are pessimistic — 48% vs. 51%.

• Most Americans say they feel hopeful when they think about the future, and 54% say they feel happy.
• Americans have become somewhat less gloomy about 2050, compared with 2023.
• The share expecting the U.S. to be more important in the world is up 13 percentage points, the share expecting less political division is up 12 points, and the share expecting a stronger economy is up 11 points.

The intrigue: Americans are essentially split on the future of race relations.

• 50% say race relations will get better by 2050.
• It's the only major 2050 measure where Pew didn't find a clear pessimistic majority.

The bottom line: America is entering its 250th year with a public that is personally hopeful, politically exhausted and broadly bracing for a more divided future.

Methodology: Pew Research Center's analysis draws on multiple surveys of U.S. adults conducted between July 2025 and April 2026, including a new survey examining Americans' expectations for the year 2050.

• The primary survey was conducted April 6-12, 2026, among U.S. adults and asked respondents about the country's future economic outlook, political divisions, race relations, safety, global standing and system of government by 2050.
• Additional findings come from Pew surveys conducted Jan. 20-26, 2026, on satisfaction with the country's direction and expectations for the year ahead; Dec. 8-14, 2025, on whether America's best years are ahead or behind; and July 8-Aug. 3, 2025, on feelings about the future.