Most Americans think the best days are already behind us

A new Pew study shows more than half of U.S. adults believe the country’s best years are behind us. Only 28% think the future will be better. Forty-four percent expect things to get worse over the next 50 years.

People over 65 are the most downbeat — nearly 6 in 10 say the peak is already past. But even younger folks, under 30, aren’t feeling it: 47% think the U.S. has already hit its high point.

The numbers don’t lie. Trust in institutions is low. The cost of living keeps climbing. And for many, the idea of "the American dream" feels like something their abuela talked about — something real, but distant.

It’s not just about money. It’s about safety, dignity, and knowing your kids won’t have to work three jobs just to keep a roof over their heads.

Why this matters for us: If the majority already think the best is behind us, who’s left to fight for the future — and how do we make sure it’s one we actually want to build?