A stunning new poll from The New York Times and Siena University reveals that a majority of Americans now believe the nation’s political divisions are too deep to overcome—marking a dramatic shift in public sentiment over the past five years.
Key Findings: A Nation Losing Faith
According to the Times/Siena Poll conducted September 22–27, 2025, 64% of registered voters say the U.S. is too politically divided to solve its problems—up from just 42% in 2020. Only 33% believe the country can still address major challenges together.
This collapse in confidence comes amid rising political violence, a government shutdown, and growing distrust in democratic institutions.
What Voters Worry About Most
For the first time, concerns about political polarization and the state of democracy have overtaken traditional issues like inflation and the economy as the nation’s top problem.
| Issue | Dec. 2023 | Sept. 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| The Economy | 20% | 16% |
| Inflation | 14% | 13% |
| Polarization | 9% | 10% |
| State of Democracy | 7% | 9% |
| Immigration | 10% | 9% |
Infographic: America’s Declining Hope
Who’s to Blame? Everyone Points a Finger
- Democrats name Donald Trump and the Republican Party as the biggest problem.
- Republicans cite the economy and Democrats as top concerns.
- One-third of voters blame both parties equally for the government shutdown.
Surprising Unity in a Divided Nation
Despite deep rifts, most Americans still see political opponents as fellow citizens—not enemies:
- Only 10% of Democrats call Republicans “the enemy.”
- Just 14% of Republicans say the same about Democrats.
- 57% of Republicans—and nearly all Democrats—oppose revoking TV licenses for criticizing Trump.
Democracy in Question
Only 55% of Americans describe the U.S. as “a democratic country.” Notably, 52% of Democrats disagree—a sign of eroding trust even among those traditionally supportive of institutions.
[INTERNAL_LINK:political-polarization] | [INTERNAL_LINK:us-democracy-crisis]
