Majority of 65-Plus Population Still Extremely Proud To Be an American

Among people aged 65 or older, 53 percent say they are extremely proud to be an American, according to a Gallup survey. This is the only demographic segment in which more than 50 percent still feels extreme pride in their nationality.

Extreme pride in being an American has taken a big hit over the past few years, falling from a peak of 69 percent in the years following the 2001 terrorist attacks to just 42 percent in 2020—a record low. Since 2016, the percentage who feel extreme pride in being an American has fallen by 10 percentage points. 

Extremely proud to be an American, 2020 (and percentage point change since 2016)

53% of those aged 65 or older (-2)

50% of men (-3)

49% of whites (-5)

48% of those aged 50 to 64 (-16)

46% of those without a college degree (-8)

42% of those aged 30 to 49 (-9)

34% of women (-16)

34% of college graduates (-13)

24% of nonwhites (-21)

20% of those aged 18 to 29 (-14)

Source: Gallup, U.S. National Pride Falls to Record Low