Hageman Raises Alarm Over Declining American Pride

Wyoming Republican Representative Harriet Hageman is voicing concern regarding the low levels of pride Americans feel about their country. Recent polling reveals that last year, fewer citizens than ever reported being “extremely proud” to be American.

“In Gallup’s 25-year patriotism survey, only 17 percent, or less than one in five, say they are ‘very proud’ to be an American adult,” Hageman noted during a recent speech. She remarked that public enthusiasm for the nation has been dampened by accusations concerning moral failings, suggesting that America’s self-image has suffered due to what she termed self-flagellation.

Scheduled for next week, Hageman’s address will emphasize advocating for the unique cultural identity of the United States. She urges Americans to rekindle their appreciation of this identity, particularly as the nation approaches its 250th Independence Day celebrations.

Interestingly, polling suggests only a small portion of U.S. adults believe America stands above other nations. Hageman articulated that the current narrative seems skewed, particularly within the Democratic Party, where optimism has noticeably dropped.”

Only 36% of Democrats now report being “very proud” of the U.S., a significant decrease from 62% the previous year. In contrast, Republican pride remains high, with 92% expressing strong patriotism. Even among independents, pride has dipped to just 53%, down seven points from last year.

Hageman contended that these results reflect a broader ideological struggle, linking recent attitudes to a reinterpretation of the nation’s founding. “My colleagues across the aisle seem intent on using our history of slavery to paint our country as irredeemable,” she observed. She pointed out that some on the left are redefining 1619—the year the first slaves arrived—as a pivotal moment that redefines American history.

Despite the troubling statistics, Hageman holds an optimistic view about the future. She believes a renewed focus on the founding principles of the nation could restore a sense of patriotism. “By celebrating our 250th anniversary and revisiting our history honestly,” she asserted, “we have the potential to reverse this decline. I’m hopeful that this attention will inspire a renewed sense of national pride.”