Lawmakers from both parties were asked whether they are proud to be American, and the answers were a mix of patriotism and partisan disagreement. Democrats said they still believe in American exceptionalism even while criticizing the current president and, in one case, pointing to impeachment as a remedy. Republicans leaned into the founding ideas, material prosperity, and defense through strength as reasons for national pride. The conversation shows confidence in the country’s principles even as elected officials spar over leadership and direction.
Democratic lawmakers repeatedly made the point that the United States remains an extraordinary place despite sharp differences with the White House. “The freedoms that we have and the fact that anyone should be able to get ahead for them and their family based on the laws we have every now and then — in general, it’s sound,” Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Wisc., said, noting that the system still allows people to succeed. Their answers, given before the nation’s 250th Independence Day, mixed pride in American institutions with concern about current leadership.
Not every Democrat framed their pride in neutral terms; Rep. Al Green focused on a constitutional fix he considers appropriate. “I am very proud to tell you that impeachment is an option to remove a reckless, ruthless, lawless president,” Green answered when asked if he was proud to be an American. “I’m proud that it exists,” Green added, arguing that the availability of impeachment itself is a feature of the republic he values.
Other Democrats made a sharper defense of democratic norms while warning against concentrated power. “I believe Americans are ready to defend our democracy and oppose authoritarianism so that we can celebrate our 251st birthday in this country instead of turning all power over to a would-be king,” Doggett said, tying national pride to a civic duty to resist authoritarian tendencies. He doubled down on national exceptionalism at the same time, saying, “We’re the greatest country on earth. We’re innovative, we’re smart, we make sure that we promote our values, our liberties and justice and freedom. We’re always trying to perfect our union, but at the same time, we were the great experiment of democracy and it’s been a rousing success.”
Democratic voices with immigrant backgrounds emphasized how immigration shaped their view of America while acknowledging disagreements with the administration. “This is a great country. You know, we are a country of immigrants. Immigrants have contributed so much to our country, and you know this is the greatest country on earth. I am so proud to call myself an American citizen, although there are some concerns with the new administration,” Thanedar said, reflecting pride tempered by policy worries. Those remarks underline that many Democrats separate affection for the country from criticism of government officials.
On the other side, Republicans answered without hesitation and pointed to the Constitution and cultural foundations as the source of American success. “I guess our Constitution and all the freedoms we have that other countries don’t have, which results in us being so much wealthier than other countries — not that that’s the main thing. But you look at your average American with a front yard and backyard, they don’t even have that in Western Europe, they don’t have that in Israel, they have it in other top countries. We’ve got it here in the United States,” Grothman said, framing material prosperity and personal liberty as linked. “So, I think the combination between the material wealth which impresses you and a Christian nation which is also so tremendous,” he added, tying faith and prosperity to national identity.
Others on the Republican side stressed defense and willingness to fight for freedom as part of what makes the nation exceptional. “We’re a nation who’s willing to understand peace through strength. And we’re a nation that has been willing to go ahead and pledge our lives to keep the freedoms that we have here that no other nation like ours has seen,” Mills said, arguing that resolve and sacrifice underpin American liberty. In short, both parties expressed pride but with different emphases: Democrats focused on institutions and reform options, and Republicans emphasized founding principles, prosperity, and the readiness to defend the nation.
