Three Trends Shaping American Politics Today
In these turbulent times—with a new Trump presidency, two foreign wars, rising prices, and uncertainty feeling like the only constant—three powerful currents are reshaping America’s political landscape:
I – The push for transparency as an antidote to corruption;
II – The embrace of innovation to reignite our sense of national strength;
III – And the pursuit of sacred causes to find deeper meaning.
These trends don’t just highlight what’s broken—they reflect what Americans are searching for: clarity, a sense of strength, and purpose in a world that feels anything but steady.
I – Anticorruption: Radical Transparency Meets Rising Distrust
The first big trend we’re seeing is deep frustration with institutionalized corruption. From public outrage over perceived pervasive corruption to instances like Luigi Mangione killing the CEO of UnitedHealthcare (and Americans celebrating), the appetite for accountability is reshaping our national conversation. But it doesn’t stop there. Wellness trends warning against “poisonous” foods and suspicion of Big Pharma fuel what many are calling the “wellness-to-right-wing pipeline.” Meanwhile, consumer culture, often trend leaders, are leaning into radical transparency with brands flaunting their origins, ethics, and ingredients in clear, simple ways. These signals all point to a deeper desire for integrity and radical transparency. But what does this look like in the political world? For Democrats, embracing anticorruption not just as a policy stance but as a value is a huge opportunity. By championing transparency and reform within the party and across government, they can position themselves as the party that rebuilds trust and protects the public interest.
II – Innovation: American Greatness Through Progress
Next, we’re seeing a huge hunger for a sense of restored American greatness.. But this isn’t showing up in a way that people might expect. Based on what we’re seeing in our research, there isn’t a desire for America to establish dominance by flexing our military prowess, like we did in when defeating Germany and Japan in WWII, but rather reestablish our greatness as an economic leader and cultural influencer through technological innovation and deals that yield economic dominance. For Americans grappling with the feeling that their country has lost its edge, innovation offers a way back to strength—no boots on the ground required. For many Americans, technological progress could be our 21st-century superpower, a means to reclaim global leadership while staying true to American ideals. But it’s complicated. Americans are excited about technology, but also wary about potential job loss and tech moguls running unchecked. For Democrats, the path forward involves threading the needle: critiquing exploitative practices without dismissing innovation itself, working to ensure that technology is additive to Americans and their livelihoods, all while supporting the need to innovate the future. By elevating ethical innovation as a source of American strength and emphasizing investments in technology, clean energy, and infrastructure, they can offer a compelling vision of progress that feels both bold and responsible.
III – Sacred Causes: The Search for Faith in Chaos
When the world feels shaky, people reach for certainty—and for many, that means faith. Religious movements are on the upswing, not just in churches but across cultural platforms, from apps like Hallow to the storytelling of Angel Studios and the success of the Chosen. And beyond traditional faith, there’s a turn toward alternative “truths” and mysticism, like the rabbit holes of QAnon. These trends reflect a desire for meaning in a turbulent world and Democrats have an opportunity to meet this moment by authentically engaging with faith communities and embracing policy inspired by religious principles (like equality, justice, and care for others), while offering a vision of shared purpose that transcends party lines. But most importantly, by connecting policies like affordable healthcare, climate action, and education to deeply held values, they can create a narrative that resonates with voters seeking both moral clarity and practical solutions.
Turning Trends Into Action
Anticorruption, innovation, and sacred causes aren’t just cultural shifts; they’re political opportunities. By doubling down on transparency, celebrating progress, and authentically connecting with faith-driven values, Democrats can speak to Americans’ deepest fears and highest hopes. These trends reflect not just dissatisfaction but aspiration—offering a chance to inspire, unite, and lead with a vision of integrity, strength, and meaning.
