Published On 7/3/2026
Americans are observing their celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, in light of unprecedented divisions that go beyond political differences to issues affecting the identity of the country itself, such as immigration, civil rights, the role of the federal government, and the values of democracy and diversity.
Ipsos poll data reveal that 62% of Americans consider this year’s celebrations politicized, and that about two-thirds fear for the future of democracy in the country, while only 30% of citizens consider America “the greatest country in the world.”
According to a report prepared by Al Jazeera correspondent Wajd Waqfi, the head of Ipsos, Clifford Young, believes that the division is clear in the data, as half of Americans say that the 250th anniversary of the founding is a major event worthy of enthusiasm, while the other half does not agree on that, in an indication of the fragmentation of national feelings.
The researchers explain that frustration with politics in America has reached unprecedented levels, and they attribute this – as the report explains – to the accumulation of setbacks over the past 15 years, starting with the financial collapse in 2008, through military adventures in the Middle East, all the way to the repercussions of the Covid-19 Corona pandemic, which made the cost of living difficult for many.
In the same context, political polarization between the eras of Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump contributes to strengthening divisions, as partisan differences turned into hate speech that sometimes led to violence, and this was evident in Trump’s refusal to acknowledge the results of the 2020 elections, and the subsequent unprecedented attack on the Capitol building, a symbol of American democracy.
Forced deportation
With regard to presidential policies, the decisions on forced deportation of immigrants and citizenship rights have deepened social rifts, between a defender of an identity based on ethnic and religious diversity, and an opponent of it, in a conflict that reflects the profound transformations in American society, as Waqfi explains.
On the other hand, adding to these divisions is a new concern represented by the fear and uncertainty associated with the use of artificial intelligence technologies, as new graduates face difficulties in obtaining jobs, making Americans’ feelings about technology oscillate between tension and anger.
From an economic perspective, inflation has reshaped the economic landscape, and the gap has widened between the wealthy in the financial market and businesses, and low- and middle-income families facing stagnant wages and rising debt, which has increased feelings of frustration and inequality.
Despite these sharp differences, Americans agree to celebrate their country, each in their own way, away from politics, in a scene that reflects a contradiction between adherence to national identity and the deep divisions that threaten the cohesion of American society on the 250th anniversary of its founding.
It is noteworthy that the United States gained independence on July 4, 1776 (from the United Kingdom) after a group of colonies declared war against the United Kingdom, to which it belonged, in protest against new taxes on imported goods.
In 1789, George Washington was chosen as the country’s first president. In 1791, Congress issued a resolution establishing the city of Washington as the capital. Then other states, including Texas, California, and New Mexico, joined the new state after wars in which they separated from Mexico.
Although the nascent state faced major challenges, most notably the American Civil War in 1861, it became, within a short period, one of the world’s great powers, especially after World War I.
