Story perspectives

45% of Americans Identify as Independents: Shifting Political Landscape

1/14/2026

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Center

Independents Rise

Gallup polling shows 45% of adults identify as independents, marking a notable shift in U.S. politics.
Generation Z and Millennials largely identify as independents, signaling a trend among younger voters.
Analysts say Democrats hold a slight edge among independents due to dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump.
Trump's approval among independents has declined, complicating Republican midterm strategies.
The political landscape remains volatile as independents reject both major parties.

Left

Last Critiques Trump

Conservative Bulwark Editor Jonathan Last argues U.S. President Donald Trump's supporters are misled or racists seeking mass deportations.
He cites a poll showing 80% of Republicans support Trump's immigration policies.
After Renee Good's fatal shooting by an ICE agent, YouGov found 61% of Republicans justified the shooting, while 88% of Democrats disagreed.
Protests against ICE followed as Trump defended his immigration stance, and Last warned of a mass deportation push.

History

Historical Context

Ross Perot's independent campaign in the 1992 presidential election, which captured 19% of the popular vote, marked a notable shift in U.S. political dynamics. This trend of increasing independent identification, now at 45% among adults, reflects ongoing dissatisfaction with the major parties, echoing sentiments from the early '90s and suggesting a potential realignment in American politics amid contemporary discontent with figures like Donald Trump.

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Independents Rise

Gallup polling shows 45% of adults identify as independents, marking a notable shift in U.S. politics.
Generation Z and Millennials largely identify as independents, signaling a trend among younger voters.
Analysts say Democrats hold a slight edge among independents due to dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump.
Trump's approval among independents has declined, complicating Republican midterm strategies.
The political landscape remains volatile as independents reject both major parties.

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