🔥 Trending New AP-NORC Poll Explores Why Many Americans Don't Fly the Flag

The AP-NORC poll, conducted between April 16-20, 2026, with 2,596 adults, reveals significant divisions among Americans regarding the American flag, particularly along political, age, and racial lines ⁴⁵⁷⁹. This survey was conducted ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary, America 250, providing insights into the country's perspective on its values, traditions, and culture ¹⁷.

Key Findings from the AP-NORC Poll

Racial Divides in Flag Display

One of the most striking findings is the disparity in how different racial groups display the American flag.

• Black Americans: Only about 3 in 10 Black adults report displaying the American flag ². Many Black Americans associate the flag with a history of oppression and feel it doesn't represent them due to ongoing racial injustices and historical grievances ³⁸¹⁰.
• White and Hispanic Adults: In contrast, roughly half of white and Hispanic adults display the flag ².

Perceptions of the Flag's Meaning

The poll highlights differing views on what the American flag symbolizes:

• Symbol of Unity vs. Division: While freedom is often cited as a unifying American value, political values are seen as a primary source of division ¹. The flag's symbolism is interpreted differently across various demographics, sometimes as a symbol of pride, other times of exclusion ⁹.
• Pride in the Country: The poll indicates a decline in Americans' pride in the country's history and the functioning of its democracy over the past decade ⁶. This broader sentiment likely influences how individuals view and interact with national symbols like the flag.

Demographic Differences

Beyond race, the poll also identifies divisions based on age and political affiliation:

• Political Affiliation: The views on the flag are notably divided by politics ⁵⁷. For example, older white Republicans are more likely to display the flag ².
• Age: Age also plays a role in how Americans perceive and display the flag ⁵⁷.

Context of the Poll

The AP-NORC poll's findings are particularly relevant as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary. They underscore the complex and often conflicting sentiments Americans hold about their national identity, history, and symbols. The poll utilized a sample drawn from NORC's probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, designed to be representative of the U.S. population ⁴⁹.