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Americans' pride in US history and democracy drops, and fewer are proud to be American, polls find
By Linley Sanders, Simran Parwani And Amelia Thomson-Deveaux, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· June 29, 2026
· 6 min read
Americans have grown less proud of their country's history or the way its democracy works over the past decade, according to a new AP-NORC poll. Americans’ pride in the U.S. on several key attributes has dropped since 2017 — including the nation's military and its political influence around the g...
Key takeaway on several key attributes has dropped since 2017 — including the nation's military and its political influence around the globe — according to the survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
In San Antonio , where patriotism and military pride run deep due to the city's strong military presence, these national trends may have a pronounced local impact. The decline in pride in the US armed forces, in particular, could resonate with the city's large veteran population and those with ties to the military. As the city continues to grow and diversify, the disconnect between national pride and local identity may become more apparent. San Antonio's own history, marked by cultural blending and a strong sense of community, may serve as a counterpoint to the national narrative, with many residents taking pride in the city's unique heritage and resilience. As local leaders and community members navigate these complex emotions, they may need to balance national sentiments with the city's distinct character and values.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Americans have grown less proud of their country's history or the way its democracy works over the past decade, according to a new AP-NORC poll. Americans’ pride in the U.S. on several key attributes has dropped since 2017 — including the nation's military and its political influence around the g...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Linley Sanders, Simran Parwani And Amelia Thomson-Deveaux, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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