78% of Americans Still See Value in American Dream but Fewer Believe Everyone Has Opportunity to Achieve It

Seventy-eight percent of Americans surveyed said it remains important to strive for the American Dream, the same share recorded in 2024, according to the Gallup American Dream Study released Thursday. Sixty-nine percent said they expect to achieve it personally, three points lower than last year.

Forty-six percent said everyone has the opportunity to reach the American Dream, down from 51 percent in 2024.

Sixty percent of Democrats and 57 percent of Republicans described the American Dream as unfinished. Thirty-three percent of Democrats said it had failed, while 31 percent of Republicans said it had succeeded.

Foreign-born respondents were more positive than those born in the United States. -born respondents. -born respondents. -born respondents. Seventy-two percent of foreign-born adults viewed the American Dream as an opportunity, while 53 percent of native-born Americans associated it with seeking stability.

“Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” ranked as the most important concept tied to the American Dream. Respondents across party lines named government reform as the top priority to help future generations achieve it. The Gallup American Dream Study was created by the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream.

The survey was conducted ahead of the 250th anniversary of the United States.