Reuters/Ipsos Poll Shows Deepening Concerns Over U.S. Unity Ahead of 250th Independence Anniversary

As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of its independence on July 4, a new Reuters/Ipsos poll has revealed widespread uncertainty among Americans about the country’s long-term future and democratic stability.

According to the survey, 38% of respondents believe the United States will not remain a single unified country in 250 years. This view was shared by 40% of Democratic Party supporters and 26% of Republican supporters.

However, a majority of 62% said they believe the country will continue to exist as a unified nation.

The four-day online survey, which concluded on Monday, included responses from 1,537 U.S. adults nationwide and carries a margin of error of 3 percentage points.

The findings come at a time of heightened political polarization in the U.S., as the country prepares to mark its 250th Independence Day. The United States declared independence from Britain on July 4, 1776, laying the foundation for the modern American state.

A separate portion of the poll highlights growing concerns about democratic stability. Two-thirds of respondents said they believe U.S. democracy is at risk of failure, including 85% of Democrats and 50% of Republicans. The level of concern has increased from 57% in a similar survey conducted in August last year to around 67% in the latest poll.

The survey also found that 77% of Americans believe political violence in the country is likely to increase over the next five years.

Public confidence in the United States as “the best country in the world” has also declined. Only 30% of respondents agreed with that statement, compared to 38% in a 2017 Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted during the early months of then-President Donald Trump’s first term.

Among Democrats, only 11% still view the U.S. as the world’s best country, down from 26% in 2017.

Political divisions have also shaped attitudes toward upcoming Independence Day celebrations. Many respondents said the 250th anniversary events have become overly politicized, including about three-quarters of Democrats and nearly half of Republicans.

The poll found clear partisan differences in how Americans plan to observe Independence Day. About 52% of Republicans said they would wear red, white, and blue clothing, compared to just 20% of Democrats. Attendance at fireworks events also showed a gap, with 46% of Republicans planning to attend compared to 28% of Democrats.

Political tensions surrounding the celebrations have intensified amid ongoing debates over national identity and leadership, with both major parties accusing each other of deepening divisions in American society.