American Optimism Hits Rock Bottom in 2025

Wed Feb 11 2026 00:29:12 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A new Gallup poll reveals that American optimism about the future has reached its lowest point since measurements began two decades ago. Only 59% of respondents expressed hope for their lives in five years.

A recent Gallup poll indicates a significant decline in optimism among Americans regarding their future. The percentage of those believing their lives will improve within five years has dropped to 59%, the lowest since Gallup began tracking this sentiment two decades ago. This decline reflects ongoing challenges faced by the nation, particularly affecting Democrats and Hispanic Americans, who reported stark decreases in their outlooks. The data reveals that while current satisfaction remains low, the decline in future optimism has accelerated, signaling deeper concerns as political changes unfold.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A recent Gallup poll reveals a troubling trend in American optimism regarding the future. As of 2025, only about 59% of Americans have rated their anticipated quality of life five years from now positively, marking the lowest level in nearly two decades.

This alarming statistic highlights a growing sense of despair that has permeated the nation, correlating with declining satisfaction regarding current life circumstances. The latest data shows that while Americans' rating of their present life has diminished over the past decade, confidence in future improvement has deteriorated even more.

According to Gallup, participants are evaluated on a scale from 0 to 10 regarding their current and future life quality. Those scoring an 8 or higher are classified as optimists. Recent data indicates that less than half of Americans—approximately 48%—now fit into this hopeful category, signaling a significant shift in public sentiment.

Research director Dan Witters comments, While current life satisfaction is on the decline, the drop in optimism for the future is even steeper compared to the last ten years.

Political Views Affecting Outlooks

The decrease in optimism particularly impacts Democrats and Hispanic populations, with attitudes shifting notably following political changes in the White House. As Republicans regain control, their optimism has grown, yet not sufficiently to offset the substantial pessimism among Democrats.

Witters explains, Typically, shifts in political power bring optimism and gloom at parallel rates, but the current polarization is striking.

The findings suggest that demographic factors, particularly socioeconomic concerns among Hispanic communities along with challenges like healthcare access and immigration policies, are impacting future outlooks significantly.

As the nation continues to navigate through political and economic challenges, these insights from Gallup's analysis provide a sobering look at how American perspectives towards the future are evolving, reflecting the current sociopolitical climate.