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Tuned Out, Not Checked Out: Where Passive News Consumers Get Their Info

Posted on by Navigator Research Team

Last month, Navigator conducted qual boards with passive news consumers. Qual boards are a private online forum where participants log on and answer a series of questions. These qual boards focused on passive news consumers, or those who say news comes to them rather than seeking it out. Over a three-day period, participants answered a series of questions on politics, news consumption, and AI use.

Participants Are Skeptical of Traditional Media and Spending More Time on Social Media

When asked what “the media” means to them, participants naturally mention more traditional media outlets like Fox, CNN, ABC, NBC, and CBS. Yet some also brought up social media. But no matter where they get the news, participants mentioned bias in coverage.

  • “It’s hard relying on news whether it’s traditional and social media because they seem to be [biased]. Resources like [Ground] are the best in my opinion when seeking out accurate news information.” – GA man, weak Democrat
  • “Big name news companies, anyone with giant money backing.” – TX woman, weak Republican

Participants say they spend “anywhere from less than an hour on a busy day” to up to seven hours a day on social media. While most say they primarily use it to pass the time or connect with friends and family, many say they use it as a news source.

  • “I use Social Media to stay up to date on current events, do research or find hacks, DIYs, or new beauty products to try based on video reviews.” – NV woman, weak Democrat
  • “I use social media as a news source mor[e] than anything.” – WI man, independent lean Republican
  • “My main intention of being on social media is to follow up on local, national, and international current events, as well as listen to and watch videos of interest.” – GA woman, independent

Many were able to name specific websites and creators they follow to understand what is going on in the country.

Slide from Navigator Research titled: There Are A Variety Of Popular Non–Traditional News Outlets

News Stories are Still Breaking Through to Passive News Consumers, But Many Say The Coverage They See Is Too Negative

Even without seeking the news out, many mainstream stories are breaking through to passive news consumers.

Slide from Navigator Research titled: Recent Interesting Stories That Stuck Out Include “Traditional” Big News Stories Like ICE, Iran And The World Cup…

Several cited other stories that broke through that weren’t necessarily covered by mainstream news, like a conflict in Oregon over $200,000 in missing Legos. However, participants lamented that they don’t follow the news as closely because it is too negative.

Slide from Navigator Research titled: News Is Also Stressful, Which Is The Reason Most Give For Not Following The News More Closely

People Responded Positively to Creator Videos That Presented Facts Directly and Negatively to Those That Appeared to Include Spin

Participants were asked to respond to three videos of creators sharing the day’s news. Respondents were most positive about a video featuring a creator debunking talking points from Republicans in Congress on SNAP.

Slide from Navigator Research titled: Dr. Jessica Knurick on SNAP Was The Best Liked Video, With Many Finding Her Compelling and Authoritative

Two of the videos, one featuring a creator speaking directly to camera and another featuring a video of Trump with a negative caption, were viewed as biased, especially by those unfamiliar with the speaker.

  • “It’s not helpful news and it’s just a clip taken pretty much out of context.” – PA woman, independent lean Democrat
  • “I have no idea who that is or if what he says [is] credible or not. I’d definitely have to dive in to figure out more information. It’s not a very professional video, and when I see videos like this I tend to feel like they are more opinion pieces than factual news.” – TX woman, weak Republican
  • “My first reaction is that I don’t know this man and he didn’t ​cite any sources for this information so while it may be interesting if true it ​is something that would require me to fact check it.” – OH woman, weak Republican

When asked what would make them trust a source more, some said they trust news more when they can cross-check it on other platforms or if the reporter comes off as someone without an agenda, while others cited corporate ownership as a form of bias.

  • “People are allowed to have opinions of course, however when it is presented in a way to purposely divide people politically, it makes it untrustworthy. I’d trust some news sources more if they didn’t do that.” – PA woman, independent lean Democrat
  • “If they reported the facts without bias.” – OH woman, weak Republican
  • “I would trust a news source that was not owned by the bigger corporations.” – NC woman, independent lean Democrat

Participants Do Not Want to See Content from Elected Officials and Few Say an Elected Has Made Them Change Their Minds

When asked what type of content they wanted to spend more time reading, watching, or listening to, the vast majority listed “content for an elected official” last. Some say it sounds like campaigning and not truthful.

Slide from Navigator Research titled: What’s Not Trustworthy, Popular, Or Persuasive Is Content From Elected Officials

Only a handful could name a time when they heard from an elected official who made them change their mind.

  • “Thomas Massie (R) kinda changed my mind about this as he goes against his party’s grain.” – OH woman, weak Democrat
  • “When I heard Mamdani speak on raising taxes for the upper class. I’d always been on the fence about that because they did earn their share. However, when I saw what that extra money can do for the city and how the upper class doesn’t always pay their fair share, I fall now on the side that they should be proportionally contributing to society.” – GA woman, independent lean Democrat
  • “James Talarico is the only one that so far stands out as a political figure that is interesting to me. He presents ideas that I agree with. He seems like a breath of fresh air. He seems like he cares about people and is easy to understand when he speaks. He communicates casually and straight to the point.” – TX woman, independent lean Democrat

Content is Driving Participants to Change Their Personal Habits, But Not Necessarily Take Political Action

Many described times when they made changes to their lives based on the content they’re seeing, but not necessarily inspiring them to take political action. Many of the changes they took were in health and wellness.

  • “I see information on health and workouts all the time. I started eating high protein and fiber because of the info I saw online about its importance to physical health.” – GA woman, independent lean Democrat
  • “I started drinking hot water with lemon and chia seeds every morning because of a Chinese medicine video I watched. I’ve lost 10 lbs since I started.” – NC woman, independent lean Republican

Participants Use AI and Worry About Others Getting Duped By AI Content

Many participants said they use AI, but are worried about the future.

Slide from Navigator Research titled: AI Evokes A Wide Range Of Anxiety And Excitement

Many report using chatbots, like ChatGPT and Gemini. Some say they’ve used them for everything from health tips to organizing emails.

  • “Asked AI some health related questions and tips on calorie counting because I am trying to lose weight. It’s definitely helpful, down 30lbs and counting so far.” – GA man, weak Democrat
  • “​I have used ChatGPT to ​help with organizing a work email. It was helpful but I needed to make ​it sound authentic.” – WI man, independent lean Republican
  • “I used DeepSeek to get information on the current for sale sign on my neighbor’s house. I used Gemini to help me find keywords for job searches. I needed help on making burgers in the air fryer, so I asked Alexa about that. She even set an alarm for me. So, I would say yes, It was helpful.” – NC woman, independent lean Democrat

When it comes to concerns, some cite job security, the impact of data centers, and people becoming dependent on it.

Participants Are Frustrated With the State of the Country and Overwhelmed By Rising Costs

Participants use words like “annoying,” “divided,” and “chaotic” to describe the state of the country today. To explain their answers, many cited the political state of the country, with some pointing specifically to the Trump administration.

Slide from Navigator Research titled: Many See The Country As Dangerously Divided, And Worry Many Are No Longer Willing To Respectfully Disagree

Rising costs are the top concern for participants, with many pointing to gas, food, and energy costs. Participants say that in order to keep up with rising costs, they’ve taken on debt, used buy now, pay later platforms, and sold personal items.

Slide from Navigator Research titled: Most People Have Taken Some Kind Of Action To Help Understand, Handle, Or Track Their Finances

America at 250: The State of Our Union

Posted on by Navigator Research Team

As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, Americans find themselves and our country at a political tipping point. Political divisions run deep, frustration with Washington is widespread, and patriotism has hit historic lows. 

Against this backdrop, the administration’s “Freedom 250” celebration reflects a particular vision of America rooted in a white Christian identity and nostalgia for a pre-civil rights history. But when Americans are asked what patriotism means to them, a far more nuanced picture emerges. 

This report, and our forthcoming series, explores that gap between the way America is being celebrated and portrayed by this administration, and the America people believe in.

Being American Is Deeply Tied To Personal Identity, And Many Express Pride at Progress Made 

Nearly nine-in-10 (88%) say being American is very or somewhat important to their personal identity, compared to just 66% of Americans who say politics is important to their personal identity.

  • 85% of immigrants say being American is important to their personal identity, including 51% who feel it’s very important. 
  • 94% of baby boomers feel being American is important to their personal identity, compared to 84% of millennials and 75% of Gen Z.
  • 83% of Democrats say being American is important to their personal identity, compared to 77% of independents and 95% of Republicans. 
Bar chart from Navigator Research titled: Being American Prevails Over Politics When It Comes to Personal Identity, Especially for Waker Partisans, Older Americans

People feel hopeful (49%) and proud (46%) about being an American today, though many also feel frustrated (44%), discouraged (32%), or anxious (31%).

  • Independents and non-MAGA Republicans are especially primed to feel hopeful, proud, though frustrated about being an American today.
Bar chart from Navigator Research titled: Across Partisanship, Being an American Still Inspires Hope and Pride, But Also Brings Frustration, Discouragement, Anxiety

When we asked focus group participants if they think America is the greatest country on earth, reactions were mixed, but many believe that status is at risk of being taken away.

“As a retired military member, I’m flushed with patriotism. So when I hear being American, it’s almost like I’m a part of the winning team. I’m on the right side. I’m on the good side. I’m the good guys. To me, it’s the greatest country in the world and I am so grateful to be a part of it.” – TX man, white veteran strong Democrat

“I think America still is the greatest country, but…it’s definitely declining, especially from an economic perspective….Starting off on your own, getting a house, starting a family, it’s extremely hard nowadays.” – PA man, 2nd generation soft Republican

“I have faith and high hopes that America will be great again. I think we have to hit rock bottom, pick ourselves up and get better. And I have hopes that better days are coming.” – MS woman, white Christian soft Democrat

Americans Are Divided on the Direction of Our Country 

Nearly two-thirds (64%) of Americans say the country is on the wrong track, and 16% doubt the United States will exist at all in 250 years. Only one-third (30%) of Americans believe the country is headed in the right direction, with modest optimism about the longer-term future: 37% expect the country to be better off in 20 years and 33% in 250 years. Among those who see the country headed in the wrong direction, the most commonly cited concerns shared in their own words were Trump, war, inflation, and prices.

Of those who feel the country is off on the wrong track:

  • 66% cite Trump’s election as the turning point.
  • 49% cite the war with Iran.
  • 42% cite the events of January 6, 2021.
Slide from Navigator Research titled: Majorities Say the U.S. Is Off on the Wrong Track, Cite Trump as the Turning Point for the Worse

When asking if they feel America’s best days are ahead of us, behind us, or happening now, responses remain mixed, but almost no one feels America’s best days are happening now.

“I truly believe that because we’re so young, again, we’re babies in this world, in the United States, that we’re judging things on a very small scale. Countries have had thousands of years of history. We have a long way to go, but again, I think we’re trending in the right direction.” – PA man, Black veteran, strong Democrat

“I think the best days of America were back then. It’s hard to live the American dream—home, car, family. It just seems impossible these days.” – TX man, 2nd generation, independent lean Democrat

“I’m a huge optimist….I think we’re making some progress and I think we’re all working towards that more perfect union and that shining city on the hill.” – PA man, white veteran strong Republican

Americans Are Proud Of Our Founding and the Progress that Followed

Both in their own words and selecting from a list of current and historical figures, Abraham Lincoln (46%), Martin Luther King Jr. (44%), John F. Kennedy (43%), George Washington (35%), and Barack Obama (34%) stand out as the figures who most represent what it means to be American.

  • While Democrats heavily favored Martin Luther King Jr. (61%) and Barack Obama (59%), independents and non-MAGA Republicans favored Abraham Lincoln (50%) and John F. Kennedy (48%). 
  • MAGA Republicans stand alone in favoring Donald Trump (60%) and Ronald Reagan (48%).
Bar chart from Navigator Research titled Americans Most Cited as Symbols of U.S. Are Lincoln, MLK, JFK, Washington, Obama, Trump

On events over the last 250 years, the abolition of slavery (57%) and the signing of our founding documents (54%) made people feel most proud to be an American. The abolition of slavery was a top choice for both Democrats (64%), independents, and non-MAGA Republicans (52%). The signing of our founding documents was the clear top choice for MAGA Republicans (71%). 

Bar chart from Navigator Research titled: Moments of Unity – Abolishing Slavery, Signing Foundational Documents, Saving Americans on 9:11 – Most Pride-Inducing

On a personal level, holidays and milestones bring out a deep sense of pride for many Americans. From stories of celebrating with family to a participant’s naturalization ceremony, Americans find moments of pride and joy in their country. 

Moderator: Tell me about times or a time you celebrated being American, or feel or felt most American.

“Martin Luther King Day just because I just found out a couple of years ago that Martin Luther King Day, you’re supposed to volunteer on that day. So to me, when I found out like, ‘oh, I should definitely do that.’ So now I drag my son and we do stuff to volunteer.” – PA man, white Christian soft Democrat

“When I hear ‘Taps,’ it still brings me to tears because it means so much to those that gave their lives in combat to protect what we have today. That’s what makes me feel American because I know people are willing to give their lives and fight for what we believe.” – OH man, white Christian independent 

“When I was able to marry…..I felt that we were being seen as a person and not as a sin anymore. And so yeah, being given the right to marry made me celebrate being American.” – TX man, Hispanic strong Democrat

“When I first saw the Statue of Liberty in person. That was kind of like, ‘okay, I have arrived’ kind of thing. So that was really the most American I felt, and it was really an overwhelming feeling of pride, of happiness, as well as, I don’t know, a connection.” – MI woman, 1st generation independent lean Republican

Americans Are Strongly Aligned On Shared Values Of Freedom, Helping Each Other  

Americans across demographics strongly agree with values centered on protecting freedoms and helping each other. 

  • 69% strongly agree that you can question America’s leaders and still love your country. 
  • 62% strongly agree that feeling free to speak out when you feel America is getting it wrong is a good thing.
  • 58% agree that America is at its best when we help our neighbors.
Bar chart from Navigator Research titled: Speaking Out Is Seen as Deeply American, as Is Helping Neighbors and the Most Vulnerable

Freedom (82%), rights (74%), and independence (71%) rank as the most important values to Americans’ personal sense of what it means to be American. While Americans associate rights more closely with the Democratic Party, Democrats hold only a narrow advantage, or in some cases are at a slight disadvantage, on freedom and independence. 

Bar chart from Navigator Research titled: Freedom, Rights, and Independence Are Most Important Values to Americans

Freedom of speech (65%), the right to vote (53%), and freedom of religion (44%) are the rights and freedoms that Americans think are most important. Independents and non-MAGA Republicans especially value freedom of speech (69%) above all others. Freedom of speech (51%) is also the right that Americans feel are most under threat right now, including from Democrats (51%), independents and non-MAGA Republicans (47%), and MAGA Republicans (55%). 

Bar chart from Navigator Research titled: Freedom of Speech Most Treasured and Most Endangered Right in the U.S. Today

The value of freedom of speech is deeply aligned across the political spectrum. In a focus group, a strong Democrat and strong Republican shared similar sentiments on the importance of freedom and acceptance. 

“Being in America, everybody has a right to do what they want and say what they want as long as it’s not infringing upon anybody else. It would be boring if we were all the same, but one thing we need to do and we must do is respect each other’s opinion.” – PA man, Black veteran strong Democrat

“The shared values would be the freedom to express, whether it’s religion, your speech, anything of that sort….And also I would say the diversity. It’s a country that is based on accepting people.” – TX woman, Hispanic strong Republican

The Symbols and Values That Most Evoke Pride in Americans

Images of our founding documents (93%) or a veteran returning home (94%) evoke deep feelings of patriotism for people across demographics. And many Americans (41%) say they display the American flag.

“I still got a lot of warm feelings towards the flag….For me, the flag is tied up in what we want to be. And I think that Americans want to be kind. We want to be generous. We want to be neighborly. We want to get along with each other and we want a fair shake at providing for ourselves and our families….To me, the flag represents the dream.” – MI man, white veteran strong Democrat

Americans are also most proud in moments of unity, when people come together after a crisis (58%) or when service members, veterans, and first responders are honored (42%). 

  • 43% of Black Americans are proud when people march, protest, or speak out for civil and equal rights, but almost one-in-10 (9%) are not proud of any of the options given. 
  • 48% of AAPI Americans are proud of America’s scientific innovation.
  • While only a small minority of Democrats (4%) and Republicans (3%) don’t feel proud of any of the options given, 13% of independents are more pessimistic in sharing this sentiment.
Bar chart from Navigator Research titled: Americans Most Proud When Coming Together- After a Crisis, to Honor Veterans, to Celebrate the Fourth, to Recite the Pledge

The American Dream Is Achievable, But Harder Today Than It Has Ever Been

To Americans, the American dream is about opportunity, freedom, and financial security.

Bar chart from Navigator Research titled: In Their Own Words, Americans Say the American Dream Means Opportunity, Freedom, Liberty, Financial Security

However, only about a quarter (26%) feel that the American dream is still achievable, while 39% feel it is much harder for most Americans today to achieve and 24% feel it is no longer achievable for most today. 

“I think my parents are the epitome of the American dream. My dad and mom came with a suitcase and a couple hundred bucks, and then not even 10 years later, they owned their own house, they had me, both got stable jobs, just working hard. And I feel like nowadays I don’t think you can do that anymore.” – PA man, 2nd generation, Republican

  • Hispanic Americans (32%) especially feel the American dream used to be achievable but is no longer achievable today. 
  • Second generation Americans (34%) also feel the American dream used to be achievable but is no longer achievable today compared to just 22% of first generation immigrants. 
  • Baby boomers are 10 points more than Americans overall to feel the American dream is still achievable, though harder today. 
  • Nearly one-in-three Americans (29%) feel that the American dream is out of reach for them.
Bar chart from Navigator Research titled: Most See the American Dream as Achievable, But Much Harder Today; Few Report Living the American Dream Today

America at 250, A Work in Progress

Two and a half centuries in, Americans are neither naive nor defeated. They see the cracks, and they still bet on the future. The country’s defining trait isn’t agreement, it’s a refusal to stop striving for a better tomorrow.

And when Navigator asked what would you put in a time capsule for future generations to find, one veteran shared:

“The Constitution….’Boys and girls, just in case you forgot, this is where we came from and this is where we’re supposed to stay with.’” – TX man, white veteran strong Democrat

Focus Group Report: Black Americans on Leadership and Voting

Posted on by Navigator Research Team

For decades, Black Americans have been one of the Democratic Party’s most loyal voting blocs. But in 2024, President Trump made significant gains among Black Americans, especially Black men. According to Pew Research, while President Biden won 92% of the Black vote in 2020, President Trump’s support among Black voters nearly doubled from 8% in 2020 to around 15% in 2024, including roughly 21% support among Black men. 

In our recent focus groups, Navigator heard from Black Americans who either shifted from voting to Biden in 2020 to Trump in 2024 or who are Democrats that feel disaffected and unmotivated to vote, in order to assess the roots of their disillusionment and how leaders and elected officials can win back their trust.

Cost of Groceries, Gas, Healthcare are all Major Stressors

Participants said the stress of rising costs, like groceries and gas, is top of mind. Even with multiple sources of income, it’s not possible to make ends meet. The increasing cost of healthcare was also a major concern.

  • “The inflation and the cost of living as well as the food, it’s just outrageous. People can’t afford basic necessities. Going to the grocery store is just unrealistic .” – MI man, less motivated Democrat
  • “Honestly, for me as a young adult, it’s kind of a harsh reality seeing how bad we’re going. Businesses are going out or layoffs are happening. Gas rights are high. Airplanes are shutting down. I’ve never seen that happen in my lifetime.” – MI man, less motivated Democrat

The Government’s Role was Viewed as Helping People, but Seen as Falling Short

Participants viewed the government’s role as “helping,” but also falling woefully short, suffering from inaction and lack of results.

  • “I think they do have a responsibility to their citizens… We put these people in office. So they definitely…should take a stance in making sure that everybody’s taken care of in the end.” – GA man, 2024 Trump voter, 2020 Biden voter
  • “We the people, the ones who are out there every day working a nine to five, the middle class that literally are probably paying the most in for taxes. There’s just no benefit that’s coming to us. And every time there’s a tax law change or something that affects us, we just have to go with it. We have no say.” – GA woman, less motivated independent lean Democrat
  • “I would say get the health premiums down to where you can actually have health insurance, because right now, they’re not making a decision as far as health insurance, and you got a lot of Americans going around the country not having health insurance. So anything catastrophic, they’re going to be financially ruined.” – NC man, 2024 Trump voter, 2020 Biden voter

Participants Say Words Are Not Enough, They Want To See Results

Black participants told us they want to see Democrats taking more decisive action and “do what they say,” rather than “step back.” Many said they’ll judge leaders based on results alone.

  • “I need to see results. I need some results… If they haven’t already poured into the community and showed and they have proof that they have, I’m not voting for you.” – TX woman, less motivated independent lean Democrat
  • “James Baldwin says a quote… he says, ‘I can’t believe what you say because I see what you do.’ So all they have to do is show me what you do.It’s not like, okay, you can say it all day if you want to, but show me.” – GA man, 2024 Trump voter, 2020 Biden voter

Trump’s Unprofessionalism and Erraticness Disturbs Participants

Trump’s behavior was widely viewed as disturbing, corrupt, and racist, many didn’t believe he was fit or qualified to serve the role. Though this didn’t always translate into enthusiasm for the Democratic Party.

  • “And don’t forget, we got a racist president. And you got a whole country full of every color that’s outnumbering the Caucasians, but yet he still keeps trying to act like they are superior.” – GA woman, less motivated independent lean Democrat 
  • “He’s just dividing [us]. People think they can say and do what they want to say and do. And it’s not fair that people get to go around and say things. And I think they do that because they think that Trump has been spilling all this stuff out his mouth that’s making people think that they can say what they want to say. They want to send us back to the 50s.” – TX woman, less motivated independent lean Democrat

2024 Election Options Viewed Poorly

Black Americans shared they weren’t enthusiastic about their choices in the 2024 election, but still cast a vote, feeling it was important to participate even if they felt the candidate options weren’t particularly appealing. While most Trump 2024 voters expressed serious grievances with Trump’s second term, most said they didn’t regret their decision as they didn’t feel like there was a better option.

Voting Widely Recognized as Important yet Unlikely to Bring Improvements 

Voting was largely viewed as civic duty – though some doubted its ability to bring about desired change.

  • “I think that if it’s not for our generation [to fix], the next group they have to endure because it’s been a struggle for us as Black people, for probably before my grandmother was alive.” – PA woman, less motivated Democrat 
  • “[Voting has] changed for me, real talk. I used to be a die hard, ‘Let’s go vote,’ especially during the presidential election. It was important. Our people died and fought and did so much for us to have the ability to vote. So it was really important to me. But now…I feel like my votes don’t mean nothing….I don’t even know if it’s worth it.” – GA woman, less motivated independent lean Democrat
  • “I don’t think voting is actually seen anymore as a means to an end. I think it’s just more of a popularity contest. It feels like how you vote for the president in high school or something like that.” – MI woman, less motivated Democrat

Motivation to Vote is Declining with Lack of New and Results-Oriented Leaders

While many had a respect for leaders who fought for civil rights, many participants also craved new, fresh, younger leadership. This didn’t seem to depend on participants’ own age; even one of our older participants lamented that our political system “is coddling all these old folks.”

  • “[We need] term limits. I’m tired of seeing the same people. So tired… New people. Fresh blood. Younger people, bigger voices, smarter voices. Just more different people.” – GA man, less motivated independent lean Democrat
  • “Where is the new young, vibrant, fresh idea people? Where are they at?We’re at this point we’re just coddling all these old folks, but there’s nobody stepping up with young, fresh ideas to even take their place.” – GA woman, less motivated independent lean Democrat

Many Familiar with Callais Decision, Viewing it as an Attack on Voting Rights

The Supreme Court’s Callais decision was widely known and associated with gerrymandering and voter suppression. Even those unfamiliar with the decision still saw gerrymandering and voter suppression as (largely) Republican-driven symptoms of our broken politics.

  • “The slashing for the Voting Rights Act, and the redistricting that they have allowed to set off while people are voting…is wild for me. Like, you, basically, are drawing us off the map.” – GA man, less motivated independent lean Democrat 
  • “It’s like they’re trying to control the vote in a way, essentially… that means you may not get the representation that your district actually deserves if it was otherwise that line not drawn there… It just seems like it’s a way to control the vote.” – MI woman, less motivated Democrat 
  • “Oh, yeah. Them shutting down Democrat gerrymanderings in certain voting Black-dominated voting areas throughout the country. They pretty much shut that down in the Supreme Court. So they pretty much gave the Republicans a huge advantagethis November.” – NC man, 2024 Trump voter, 2020 Biden voter

Participants Mostly Getting their News Online from Social Media and Podcasts

Legacy news media was almost as frustrating to participants as Trump and the economy. As one participant explained, “I can’t remember how you’re supposed to get on the TV and watch basic channels,” something she associated with her grandfather. Across groups, social media and podcasts were go-to sources of information and news. Don Lemon, Joe Rogan, and Roland Martin all came up across groups as trusted sources. Some participants also described a desire to avoid the news, viewing much of the content as depressing, and instead relying on friends or family to share information, or receiving brief updates while scrolling other content online.

  • “I don’t even mess with the CNN stuff anymore. The local news, when I come home from work it’s on, I watch it then and I scroll on YouTube as well, look at the podcast and watch a lot of reaction videos… Joe Rogan is one, for sure.” – MI man, 2024 Trump voter, 2020 Biden voter 
  • “[Don Lemon’s] my favorite. I believe everything he reports… I go straight to his page to see what’s going on because he keeps us updated with the current and he’s really on it.” – TX woman, less motivated independent lean Democrat 
  • “I used to watch a lot of cable news… But those stations look like they’ve been bought out and overturned… So now I tend to go on YouTube and watch a lot of different podcasters… I watched Joe Rogan.” – GA man, 2024 Trump voter, 2020 Biden voter

Where Things Stand in the Battleground

Posted on by Navigator Research Team

Most Americans say Republicans in Congress are Prioritizing the Wrong Things

Nearly three-in-five Americans in the battleground say Republicans in Congress are prioritizing the wrong things (59% – prioritizing the wrong things), the highest share since Republicans seized control of both chambers of Congress. This includes 58% of Americans in battleground districts that President Trump won by more than 10 points in 2024 and 64% of independents.

Similarly, 60% of battleground constituents say that Republicans in Congress have focused more on non-economic issues compared to just 28% who say they’ve focused more on economic issues.

The top priority for Americans in the battleground is inflation and the cost of living (30% named a top two priority).

This underscores a consistent finding from Navigator that Americans do not think Trump and Republicans are focused on the right things.

Chart from Navigator Research titled Inflation and the Economy Are Top Issues for Battleground Constituents Followed by Government Corruption

Trump’s Net Approval Hit New Lows Among Battleground Americans

President Trump’s net approval fell another five points from -10 in February to -15 today. 57% of Americans in the battleground disapprove of Trump’s handling of the presidency, the lowest point Navigating the Battleground has tracked since he began his second term. Likewise, net approval of Trump’s handling of the economy is at a new low among Americans in the battleground: -17 approval (41% – approve, 58% – disapprove).

Line graph from Navigator Research titled: Trump’s Economic Approval Has Fallen Double Digits Over the Last Year

Among independents, Trump has a net -26 approval overall and a net -25 approval for his handling of the economy.

Americans in the Battleground are Unhappy With the Economy, and They Blame Republicans

More than two-thirds of Americans in the battleground view the economy negatively (68%) compared to just 32% who viewed it positively. This is the widest gap since Navigating the Battleground polled this question in February 2025 (25% positive – 74% negative).

Line chart from Navigator Research titled: Battleground Constituents’ Outlook on the Economy Hits its Worst Level Since February 2025

People are seeing their own financial situations getting worse. In February 2026, the gap between those who said their own personal financial situations were positive versus negative was 22 points (60% positive – 38% negative). That gap has been cut in half to just 11 points (55% positive – 44% negative) as frustrations with the economy – and with Trump’s handling of it – have grown.

Bar chart from Navigator Research titled: Battleground Constituents Have Grown More Concerned About Their Personal Financial Situation Since February

When asked who they blame for the economy, two-thirds (67%) say Trump and Republicans in Congress compared to just 24% who say Democrats in Congress.

Bar chart from Navigator Research titled: Two-Thirds of Battleground Constituents Say Blame for the Economy Belongs to Trump and Republicans in Congress

Democratic incumbents in Congress have a net +3 approval among their constituents in the battleground (38% – approve, 35% – disapprove). Republican incumbents, on the other hand, have a net -19 approval among their battleground constituents (32% – approve, 51% – disapprove). Net approval for Democratic incumbents has nearly held steady from February 2025, when it was +2. For Republican incumbents, their net approval has fallen 16 points from -3 in February 2025. 

Americans in the battleground are split on whether or not they approve of Democratic incumbents’ handling of the economy (34% – approve, 34% – disapprove), a marginal improvement from February 2025 (34% – approve, 36% – disapprove). Republican incumbents have a net -21 approval on the economy among Americans in the battleground (29% – approve, 50% – disapprove), a drop of 21 points since February 2025.

Line chart from Navigator Research titled: Approval of Republicans Incumbents’ Handling of the Economy Fell by 21 Points Since February 2025

Among independents, Democratic incumbents have a -2 net approval on the economy, compared -25 for Republican incumbents.

Americans in the Battleground are Split on Who They Trust to Stand Up for Them

Americans in the battleground are nearly split on whether they trust Democrats or Republicans more on key issues, including:

  • Looking out for people like me (40% – trust Democrats more, 38% – trust Republicans more);
  • Standing up to corruption (35% – trust Democrats more, 37% – trust Republicans more);
  • Bringing needed change (35% – trust Democrats more, 37% – trust Republicans more); and
  • Fixing a broken system in Washington (30% – trust Democrats more, 32% – trust Republicans more).

On all of these issues, at least one-in-five battleground constituents say they trust neither party. A majority of independents say they trust neither party on all of those issues.

Bar chart from Navigator Research titled: Battleground Constituents Are Mixed on Which Party They Trust More to Handle the Economy

Republicans continue to lead Democrats on getting things done (29% – trust Democrats more, 36% – trust Republicans more) and keeping people safe (37% – trust Democrats more, 44% – trust Republicans more), while Democrats lead on ensuring our food is safe (40% – trust Democrats more, 33% – trust Republicans more) and standing up to corporate special interests (32% – trust Democrats more, 26% – trust Republicans more).

Americans Want Major Change, But Aren’t Sure if Leaders Can Deliver

Posted on by Julie

The Vast Majority of Americans Think Democracy is Broken

Nearly nine-in-10 (87%) say our democracy is broken. This includes 90% of independents and 72% of MAGA Republicans who say American democracy is at least a little broken. The plurality (43%) say U.S. democracy is only somewhat broken while nearly a third (32%) say it is completely broken. Just 13% of respondents say our democracy is not broken.

Bar chart from Navigator Research titled: A Third Say American Democracy Is Completely Broken

At least 65% of people across every demographic – age, gender, political party, education level, and income, among others – say American democracy is at least somewhat broken.

Most Think Political and Economic Systems Need Major Changes

A majority think the American economic system needs major changes (55% major changes) while 13% say the system needs to be torn down completely. A quarter (25%) say the economic system only needs minor changes while just 7% say it needs no changes at all.

Bar charts from Navigator Research titled: Most Americans Want Major Changes to the U.S. Political/Economic System, Not Total Overhauls Nor Minor Changes

55% of Americans say the political system needs major changes while 16% want it torn down completely. Just 29% say only minor changes or no changes are needed (24% minor changes – 5% no changes). These results are relatively unchanged from when Navigator asked this in April 2025 (13% torn down completely – 59% major changes – 29% minor or no changes), demonstrating the desire for institutional change remains high.

Republicans are nine points more likely to say the political system needs at least major changes than they are to say the same about the economic system (48% at least major changes to the economic system – 57% at least major changes to the political system).

Americans See Both Parties Focused On Change, but Are Split On Whether That Change is Good or Bad

A plurality of Americans see both Democrats and Republicans focused on making changes to the way government works, rather than preserving the way it works (Democrats: 33% preserving – 46% changing, Republicans: 31% preserving – 49% changing). Both parties have seen major shifts from when Navigator last asked this question in April 2025.

  • In April 2025, a slight majority of Americans (51%) said Democrats were focused on preserving the way that government works, compared to just 33% today, a swing of 18 points towards being focused on change.
  • Since April 2025, the portion of Americans who say Republicans are focused on preserving the way that government works has increased by 11 points (April 2025: 20% preserving – May 2026: 31% preserving), while fewer see Republicans as trying to change the way the government works.
Bar chart from Navigator Research titled: Both Parties Seen as More Focused on Changing Gov’t; Dems Viewed as Significantly Less Preservationist Than Previously

Americans are split on whether the changes each party is pursuing are for better or worse. Among those who see Democrats as focused on changing how government works, slightly more say those changes are positive (18%) than negative (16%), with 11% saying it’s a mix of both. Republicans face a more skeptical read: among those who see the GOP driving change, more say it’s for the worse (22%) than for the better (17%).

Bar chart from Navigator Research titled: Americans of Both Parties See Democrats Now Focused More on Change, Including Younger and More Liberal Democrats
  • Notably, more independents think both Democrats and Republicans are changing things for the worse, however they feel more negatively about Republicans (Democrats: 11% change for the worse – Republicans: 21% change for the worse).

Americans Name the Political and Immigration Systems and Congress as the Most Broken

When given a list of institutions and systems in American life, people rated the political system, the immigration system, the presidency, and Congress as the most broken (political system: 58% broken – immigration system: 57% broken – presidency: 54% broken – Congress: 54% broken).

Bar chart from Navigator Research titled: Majorities See the Political System, Immigration, the Presidency, and Congress as Completely Broken

Americans are less likely to say localized institutions are broken. While 54% say Congress and the presidency are broken, less than two-in-five said the same about state and local government (State government: 37% broken – local government: 31% broken). Similarly, as 48% say the criminal justice system is broken, only 33% say the same about law enforcement.

Among the items Navigator tested, the military was the only institution to have more people say it was not broken than broken (34% not broken – 22% broken), although a plurality (38%) said it was somewhat broken.

Bar chart from Navigator Research titled: Americans See More Local Institutions, Like Local Government, Law Enforcement, and State Government, as Less Broken

Many Americans Don’t Trust Either Party To Fix Broken Systems

While Americans are evenly split on whether Democrats or Republicans can be trusted to fix a broken political system (30% Democrats – 30% Republicans), a plurality (34%) think neither party can be trusted to fix it, and 6% don’t know. 

Three-in-five independents (61%) say they trust neither party to fix a broken system, however those who did choose a party gave Republicans a seven-point advantage (9% Democrats – 16% Republicans).

Bar chart from Navigator Research titled: A Plurality of Americans Don’t Trust Either Party on Corruption, Standing Up to Corporations, or Fixing the Political System

Following Callais: Views on Supreme Court Remain Mixed But Reforms Are Popular

Posted on by Navigator Research Team

Supreme Court Views Remain Mixed 

Despite major rulings from the court this year on tariffs and most recently the Voting Rights Act, Americans have remained mixed on their views of the Supreme Court. Notably, views on the court have remained largely stagnant in Navigator tracking since May 2022, when the case to overturn abortion rights was decided in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. Prior to Dobbs, a majority of Americans (56%) viewed the court favorably, since Dobbs, favorability of the Supreme Court has not moved past 50%.

Line graph from Navigator Research titled: Views of the Supreme Court Remain Mixed

Americans Narrowly Trust The Supreme Court To Make The Right Decisions 

A narrow majority (52%) of Americans say they trust the Supreme Court to make the right decisions, while 48% do not trust the court, including a majority of independents (57%) and majorities of non-white Americans.

Bar graph from Navigator Research titled: Americans Narrowly Trust the Court, Driven By White Americans and Republicans

Americans generally believe that the Supreme Court is middle of the road (37%), though a third (34%) believe it is too conservative. Just 15% believe it is too liberal. 

Democrats Have A Trust Advantage On SCOTUS Reform, Though Many Have Yet To Make Up Their Minds

Americans generally trust the Democratic Party (35%) to reform the Supreme Court, however, just over a quarter (27%) do not trust either party and double digits (11%) do not know. However, among those who say our democracy is broken, 41% trust Democrats more to reform the Supreme Court, while 31% do not trust either.

Bar graph from Navigator Research titled: Democrats Are More Trusted on Reforming the Supreme Court, Though Many Trust Neither Party

Supreme Court Reforms Are Broadly Popular

Americans broadly support a variety of Supreme Court reforms. The most popular reforms include term limits for justices (74% support, net +59 overall, up from +42 in July 2023) and Congress investigating SCOTUS ethics violations (70% support, net +54 overall). Expanding the court is only supported by a plurality of Americans (40%), driven mostly by Democratic support (+27 support), while remaining unpopular with independents (-1 support) and non-MAGA Republicans (-27 support).

Bar graph from Navigator Research titled: The Most Popular Supreme Court Reforms Are Term Limits, Ethics Investigations, and a Code of Conduct for Justices

Navigator recently published data on Americans’ views of Louisiana v. Callais, you can read that report here.