Americans See Peak Behind Us

A December 2025 Pew survey finds 59% of U.S. adults say the country’s best years are behind us and far more people are pessimistic than optimistic about life in the U.S. 50 years from now. The skepticism is broad (majorities across several racial groups and income tiers) and shows clear partisan skewing, with Democrats expressing especially high pessimism. — Widespread, measurable national pessimism shapes voter priorities, elite messaging, and the political salience of reform vs. restoration narratives ahead of major national milestones.