It is important to have public discussions of America’s historical failures and flaws
Dem/Lean Dem75%
Rep/Lean Rep60%
Source: Pew Research Center, Jan. 26, 2026
Chart: Americans Agree
Chart: Americans Agree
Historical failures and flaws
Pew Research Center, Jan. 26, 2026
Details
| Question | Thinking about American history, how important do you think it is to have public discussions about the country’s... |
| Item | Historical failures and flaws |
| Response | Extremely or very important |
| Poll Main Page | Majorities of Americans say it’s important to talk about the country’s historical successes and failures |
| Interview Period | Nov. 17, 2025 to Nov. 30, 2025 |
| Sample Size | 10,357 |
| Note | “Republicans” include Republicans and those who lean to the Republican party. “Democrats” include Democrats and those who lean to the Democratic party. |
| Policy Context | When this poll was conducted in November 2025, the Trump administration was in the midst of a campaign to alter how American history is portrayed at sites funded by the federal government. The effort started with a March 2025 executive order that said, “It is the policy of my Administration to restore Federal sites dedicated to history, including parks and museums, to solemn and uplifting public monuments that remind Americans of our extraordinary heritage, consistent progress toward becoming a more perfect Union, and unmatched record of advancing liberty, prosperity, and human flourishing.” Subsequent actions targeted content about slavery, racism, and other controversial aspects of U.S. history at the Smithsonian museum and national parks. |