A new national poll from Quinnipiac University finds that 79% of registered voters believe the United States is facing a political crisis. The grim sentiment follows the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a moment that appears to have crystallized bipartisan fears about the state of the country.
Political violence seen as a growing threat
Concerns about politically motivated violence have surged:
- 71% now say it’s a very serious problem, up from 54% in June.
- 54% believe violence will worsen in the coming years.
- Just 14% think it will ease.
Most Americans—82%—also agree that the way people talk about politics is fueling this violence.
And when it comes to solutions? A majority (58%) say it won’t be possible to lower the temperature on political rhetoric any time soon.
Freedom of speech pessimism reaches new high
For the first time since Quinnipiac began tracking it:
- 53% are pessimistic about freedom of speech being protected in the U.S.
- That’s a sharp reversal from March, when 54% were optimistic.
Optimism about free speech has consistently declined in 2025, marking what analysts call a “staggering shift in perception.”
Confidence in democracy is eroding
A narrow majority—53% of voters—say the system of democracy is not working.
- Democrats (74%) and independents (61%) are especially critical.
- Republicans (74%) remain more confident that democracy is functioning.
When asked who is to blame, 59% of those who think democracy is broken point the finger at Republicans, while 15% blame Democrats.
Low approval for political leaders and parties
Public dissatisfaction isn’t limited to institutions—it extends to individuals:
- President Trump has a 38% approval rating, with 54% disapproving.
- Only 30% have a favorable opinion of the Democratic Party—a record low.
- 38% view the Republican Party favorably, while 51% hold an unfavorable opinion.
Even figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., currently serving as Secretary of Health and Human Services, face harsh scrutiny:
54% disapprove of his performance, and 57% say they don’t trust his medical information.
Most voters say leaders are failing on gun violence
A striking 83% of voters say political leaders are more interested in blaming others than in finding solutions to gun violence.
This perception holds across party lines, highlighting a broader crisis in political accountability.
Economic stress compounds political fears
While the political climate darkens, voters also feel squeezed financially:
- 53% are most worried about the price of food and goods.
- 28% cite the cost of housing or rent.
- 42% say they’ve cut back on non-essential spending.
Satisfaction with the nation’s direction remains low—just 13% of voters are “very satisfied” with how things are going.
What voters say matters most
When asked to name the country’s most urgent issue:
- 32% say preserving democracy.
- 18% cite the economy.
- Other issues like crime (9%), immigration (9%), and gun violence (6%) trail far behind.
Even amid global crises, voters are clearly focused inward.
The bottom line
From threats to democracy and free speech to rising political violence and distrust in leadership, the Quinnipiac poll paints a picture of a deeply unsettled nation. And with few Americans confident that things will improve, the crisis feels less like a temporary disruption and more like a new normal.
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