Fact Check: Political polarization has increased in the United States over recent years.

Fact Check: "Political polarization has increased in the United States over recent years."

What We Know

Political polarization in the United States has been a growing concern among scholars and political analysts. According to a Pew Research Center report, both ideological polarization (differences in policy positions) and affective polarization (dislike and distrust of opposing political groups) have significantly increased over the past few decades. The research indicates that the U.S. has experienced a more pronounced surge in polarization compared to other democracies, particularly since the 1970s, with rapid increases noted during the 2000s onward.

The Pew Research Center also highlights that unfavorable opinions of the opposing party have doubled since 1994, with record highs of very unfavorable opinions as of 2022 (Pew Research Center). Furthermore, a Gallup poll indicated that in 2025, the percentage of Americans identifying as politically moderate reached a record low of 34%, while a significant majority of Republicans and Democrats identified strongly with their respective parties (Wikipedia).

Additionally, a report from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace states that American politicians are highly ideologically polarized, with little overlap in policy preferences (Carnegie Endowment). This polarization is not just limited to political elites; it has also permeated the general public, leading to a more divided electorate.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim of increased political polarization in the United States is robust and comes from multiple reputable sources. The Pew Research Center is widely recognized for its rigorous data collection and analysis, making its findings on polarization particularly credible. The report's assertion that both ideological and affective polarization have increased is corroborated by longitudinal data showing shifts in public opinion and party identification.

The Gallup data further reinforces this claim, indicating a significant decline in moderates and an increase in strong partisan identification, which is a hallmark of polarization. The contrasting views presented by political scientists, such as Morris Fiorina, who argues that the public is not as polarized as elites, do not negate the overall trend but rather highlight the complexity of the issue (Pew Research Center). Fiorina's perspective, while valuable, is less supported by empirical data compared to the consensus that polarization has indeed increased.

Moreover, the Carnegie Endowment emphasizes the implications of this polarization, linking it to broader issues such as political violence and instability, which further underscores the seriousness of the trend.

Conclusion

The claim that political polarization has increased in the United States over recent years is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources demonstrates a clear trend of rising ideological and affective polarization, characterized by increasing partisan divides and a decline in moderate political identification. This polarization has significant implications for the political landscape and societal cohesion in the U.S.

Fact Check: Political polarization has increased in the United States over recent years.