A record 43% of Americans now hold a positive view of socialism, according to a Gallup poll published on September 23, 2026. The figure is the highest recorded since the organization began tracking attitudes toward socialism in 2010, reflecting a significant shift in a country where anti-communism has been deeply entrenched for generations.
The findings are particularly striking among young Americans aged 18–34, 57% of whom view socialism positively, compared with 43% who hold a positive opinion of capitalism.
The findings are particularly striking among young Americans aged 18–34, 57% of whom view socialism positively, compared with 43% who hold a positive opinion of capitalism.
Overall, capitalism retains a 55% favorable rating, while positive views of big business have fallen to just 35%. Among political independents, favorable attitudes toward socialism have jumped from 37% to 45% in just one year.
The results are not an isolated phenomenon. Back in 2021, an Axios/Momentive survey found that 41% of Americans viewed socialism positively, up from 39% in 2019. Although the surveys used different methodologies, their findings point to a persistent current of sympathy toward socialism in American society, particularly among younger generations.
These figures are encouraging, particularly against the background of growing inequality, economic insecurity and decades of anti-communist propaganda. They also suggest that the traditional ideological hostility toward socialism is losing some of its influence, especially among younger generations.
Nevertheless, there is no room for illusions. In the United States, the meaning of socialism remains vague and frequently distorted. Politicians such as Bernie Sanders and Zohran Mamdani, or the members of the so-called Democratic Socialists of America, are often presented as “socialists”, or even “communists” (!), despite advocating predominantly social-democratic reforms within capitalism. A positive attitude toward socialism does not necessarily imply support for Marxism-Leninism or revolutionary social change.
The results are not an isolated phenomenon. Back in 2021, an Axios/Momentive survey found that 41% of Americans viewed socialism positively, up from 39% in 2019. Although the surveys used different methodologies, their findings point to a persistent current of sympathy toward socialism in American society, particularly among younger generations.
These figures are encouraging, particularly against the background of growing inequality, economic insecurity and decades of anti-communist propaganda. They also suggest that the traditional ideological hostility toward socialism is losing some of its influence, especially among younger generations.
Nevertheless, there is no room for illusions. In the United States, the meaning of socialism remains vague and frequently distorted. Politicians such as Bernie Sanders and Zohran Mamdani, or the members of the so-called Democratic Socialists of America, are often presented as “socialists”, or even “communists” (!), despite advocating predominantly social-democratic reforms within capitalism. A positive attitude toward socialism does not necessarily imply support for Marxism-Leninism or revolutionary social change.
Even so, the growing acceptance of socialism in the world's leading capitalist power is a development of considerable political significance.
