Anxiety High Among Americans, Particularly Over Economy and Political System
Americans are experiencing exceptionally high levels of anxiety about their political system and economic future, according to recent international polling data from Gallup. The United States stands out among wealthy nations for the degree of concern its citizens have regarding the stability of its democratic processes and the ability to achieve economic progress.
Approximately one-third of Americans identified politics and government as the top issue facing the nation, a figure surpassed only by Taiwan – which faces potential invasion from China – and comparable to levels seen in Slovenia, Spain, and South Korea. This finding underscores a growing unease within the country, particularly in the wake of recent political events including the 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, the legal challenges faced by former President Donald Trump, and his subsequent return to office.
The Gallup survey, conducted from March to October 2025, reveals a unique situation in the U.S. Where concerns about the political system are intertwined with anxieties about economic opportunity. “It’s really unique in that regard,” said Benedict Vigers of Gallup, describing the U.S. Position in the survey.
Younger Americans Worry About the Country’s Economic Future
A significant aspect of this anxiety is the disproportionate economic concerns held by younger Americans. Those aged 35 and under are more likely than their older counterparts to prioritize economic issues, such as the affordability of food, and housing. Around one-third of young Americans cited economics and affordability as a top issue, compared to just 13% of those 55 and older.
This trend isn’t isolated to the U.S. Similar concerns are prevalent in other high-income countries like Australia, Canada, and Ireland, all of which are grappling with housing affordability crises. “It’s a literally concrete example of young people being locked out of economic progress,” Vigers explained.
The survey also revealed a surprising parallel between economic anxieties in the U.S. And some developing nations. For example, 57% of adults in Ireland share similar concerns about economics and affordability with those in countries like Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt, and Albania.
Older Americans are Concerned About Politics and Governance
While younger Americans focus on economic pressures, older Americans are more preoccupied with the state of politics and government. Approximately 4 in 10 Americans aged 35 and over consider politics and government the most pressing issue facing the country, compared to roughly 2 in 10 younger Americans.
Gallup’s historical data shows that concern over politics and government has gradually increased since 2000, reaching levels comparable to those seen during national scandals like Watergate. Frank Newport of Gallup noted that this issue tends to rise in prominence when one political party controls the presidency.
The survey also highlighted a significant divide in trust in institutions. Americans who distrust many of the country’s institutions – including the government, judicial system, and election integrity – are far more likely to list politics and government as their top concern (41%) than those who express greater trust (21%).
Experts suggest that low levels of trust can be detrimental to democratic societies. Brendan Nyhan, a Dartmouth political scientist, emphasized that “Having a stable society and rule of law without social trust is really difficult. Low trust is corrosive. Under conditions of high polarisation, it makes it exceptionally difficult to accept losing an election and accept the other party being in power.”
The findings from Gallup, alongside research from The Harris Poll, paint a picture of a nation grappling with widespread anxiety, driven not solely by political turmoil but by a complex interplay of economic pressures, societal strains, and a declining sense of trust in institutions.
