69% Americans Lose Faith in American Dream, Poll Finds

A recent Wall Street Journal-NORC poll reveals a record low in belief in the American dream, with nearly 70% of U.S. adults saying that the idea of upward mobility through hard work no longer holds true or never did. Only 25% of Americans feel they have a good chance of improving their standard of living, the lowest since the poll began in 1987, reflecting widespread economic pessimism across demographics and political affiliations. Key concerns include unaffordable housing, rising food and energy prices, inflation's financial strain, and fears about job displacement due to artificial intelligence. Many respondents also express doubt that their children's generation will experience better economic conditions, with a majority seeing homeownership and retirement savings as increasingly out of reach. While some slight improvement in economic sentiment is noted, with 44% rating the economy as good or excellent, skepticism remains high and poses a challenge for President Trump and Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The broader issue of economic insecurity underscores the enduring importance of unions and labor protections in providing a pathway to economic stability and the American dream.