US Future Optimism Hits Record Low in 2025 Poll

Gallup survey shows Democrats and Hispanics most pessimistic about the years ahead

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A new Gallup poll shows that Americans' optimism about their future has fallen to the lowest level in nearly 20 years, with only 59% giving positive ratings about their life in the next 5 years. The decline in future optimism was particularly pronounced among Democrats and Hispanic Americans, though even Republicans reported being less hopeful than they were at the end of President Trump's first term.

Why it matters

The erosion of hope for the future, especially among key demographic groups, could have significant implications for civic engagement, economic outlook, and overall well-being in the country. Understanding the factors driving this decline in optimism is crucial for policymakers and community leaders to address the underlying issues.

The details

The Gallup survey found that the percentage of Americans who rated their future life a 7 or higher on a 10-point scale dropped to 59% in 2025, the lowest annual measure since Gallup began asking the question almost 20 years ago. While current life satisfaction and future optimism typically move in tandem, recent data shows that future optimism has declined at a faster rate than current life satisfaction over the past decade.

  • Gallup has been measuring Americans' outlook on life for almost 20 years.
  • In 2025, the annual measure of future optimism hit a record low.

The players

Gallup

An American analytics and advisory company that provides data-driven news based on public opinion surveys.

Dan Witters

The research director of the Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index.

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What they’re saying

“The regime change in the White House almost certainly was a big driving factor in what's happened. (Democrats) really took it in the chops.”

— Dan Witters, Research Director, Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index

“(Deportations are) something that everybody can see and look at with their own eyes. But if you're Hispanic, I think it's fair to think that that might hit a little closer to home.”

— Dan Witters, Research Director, Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index

The takeaway

The sharp decline in future optimism, especially among Democrats and Hispanic Americans, suggests a growing sense of uncertainty and pessimism about the country's trajectory. Policymakers and community leaders must work to address the underlying factors driving this erosion of hope to promote greater civic engagement and overall well-being.