How Americans Feel About Religion’s Influence in Government and Public Life
A growing share of U.S. adults say religion is gaining influence, but most still want churches to stay out of politics, a 2026 survey finds.
Political Issues
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Political Issues
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Americans See Health Care Costs, Deficit, Inflation as Big Problems Facing the Nation
Economic issues continue to dominate Americans’ ranking of the country’s top problems. Meanwhile, the share who say illegal immigration is a very big problem has dropped since the start of Trump’s second term.
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Americans remain critical of Trump administration’s approach to Iran
62% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of the military action against Iran, and 59% say the U.S. made the wrong decision in using military force.
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What the data says about gun deaths in the U.S.
The number of gun deaths in the U.S. fell for the third consecutive year in 2024 but remained among the highest annual totals on record.
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Americans Have Become Less Confident in Trump’s Decision-Making on Ukraine
Republicans and Democrats still have differing views of the war in Ukraine, though their opinions of Russia and Putin are broadly negative.
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Negative views of Israel, Netanyahu continue to rise among Americans – especially young people
Views of Israel and Benjamin Netanyahu have grown more negative among U.S. adults, with majorities under 50 in both parties rating them poorly.
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Gas Prices Are Americans’ Top Concern in Iran War
69% of Americans are worried about higher gas prices due to the Iran war, and 45% say the U.S. is not doing enough to avoid civilian causalities.
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Republicans have become less likely to say NATO membership benefits the U.S.
Around four-in-ten Republicans (38%) say the U.S. benefits at least a fair amount from being part of NATO – down from 49% last year. Among Democrats, 82% say this.
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Many Latin Americans – especially Protestants – see a role for religion in national leadership, identity and laws
Majorities in Brazil, Colombia and Peru want leaders who stand up for their religious beliefs. Protestants are especially supportive of Christianity in public life.
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Key facts about same-sex marriage around the world, 25 years after the Netherlands legalized it
Twenty-five years after the first nationally recognized same-sex marriages, nearly 40 places now allow them. But their prevalence varies, as do public attitudes.
