A recent NPR/PBS News/Marist poll reveals deep anxiety and division in the U.S. as the country approaches its 249th birthday. Three-quarters of Americans believe democracy is under serious threat, with concern especially high among Democrats (89%) and independents (80%), though only 57% of Republicans agree—down sharply from 88% when Biden was president. White women, regardless of education level, are among the most alarmed. Similarly, 73% of respondents see politically motivated violence as a major problem, with white women and older adults most concerned, while younger voters and racial minorities are less so.

Confidence in political leadership is notably low. Donald Trump’s job approval sits at 43%, with even lower ratings on the economy and foreign policy. Congressional Republicans fare slightly better than Democrats (35% vs. 27% approval), but Democrats are notably less supportive of their own party’s leadership. Views on immigration reveal a sharp divide over national identity: while 85% of Democrats and 68% of independents believe openness to people from all over the world is essential to America, 62% of Republicans worry that too much openness threatens the country’s identity.

The poll also shows growing discomfort with institutional norms—while 83% say presidents should follow court orders, only 22% of Republicans strongly agree. On foreign policy, Americans are split on the U.S. attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, with sharp partisan divides reflecting broader polarization. Overall, the data paints a portrait of a nation struggling to agree on its direction, values, and leadership—raising urgent questions about the resilience of American democracy.