A new poll from the Ronald Reagan Institute, shared with FOX Business, finds Americans broadly upbeat about the country’s capacity for technological progress while expressing clear doubts about the government’s ability to solve major problems. The results highlight a public that favors domestic construction and innovation—but is wary of expanded government intervention as policymakers weigh housing, infrastructure and AI strategy.
The survey asked registered voters about U.S.-led advances in areas such as medicine, energy and artificial intelligence, and found a strong majority expressing confidence in American innovation. Overall, 65% said they felt optimistic about the nation’s scientific and technological trajectory. That sentiment is concentrated among Republicans but remains significant across party lines: roughly four in five Republicans, about three in five Democrats and a similar share of independents voiced confidence.
Young adults stood out. According to the report, members of Generation Z showed a markedly positive view of American science and technology—far more upbeat than many cultural narratives suggest—indicating a generational appetite for building and progress.
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What voters say about building in America
Respondents were asked how difficult it is today to construct essential projects—homes, roads and factories—in their communities. Views cluster around two positions: either the current pace is too slow, or it is acceptable; almost no group believes construction is excessive.
- Housing: A majority—54%—said it is too hard to build new homes, 36% called the level of building about right, and 9% said it is too easy.
- Roads and highways: 48% described the current situation as about right, 44% said it is too hard to build, and 8% said it is too easy.
- Factories: 45% felt construction levels were about right, 43% said too hard, and 11% said too easy.
Dan Rothschild, director of the Center for Civics, Education and Opportunity at the Reagan Institute, summarized the mood by noting the general public desire to see more projects get built rather than fewer. He suggested the findings reflect greater trust in American businesses and civic institutions than in political solutions alone.
Older debates resurfacing
The poll also revisited Ronald Reagan’s famous line that “government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem.” A large share of voters—about 81%—agreed that the statement still rings true today. The agreement was highest among Republicans (around 93%), strong among independents (about 82%) and still majority-backed by Democrats (roughly 69%).
Views of Reagan’s record remain sharply divided. Nearly half of respondents characterized his economic legacy as positive, while roughly three in ten disagreed. Partisan splits were pronounced: Republicans overwhelmingly view his presidency favorably, independents tilt positive, and a majority of Democrats judged his policies unfavorably.
Why this matters now
These attitudes matter for current policy debates. If voters broadly support domestic innovation and want more construction, pressure may grow on lawmakers to address regulatory hurdles, permitting delays and workforce constraints. At the same time, widespread skepticism about government’s role complicates calls for large-scale public programs, even as the private sector pushes advances in areas like AI and clean energy.
The survey’s mix—optimism about technology, appetite for building, and distrust of governmental fixes—suggests a public that prefers market-led solutions coupled with targeted reforms to remove barriers to construction and innovation.
Key takeaways
- Majority optimism in American-led innovation (65%) spans parties, with especially strong support among Republicans.
- Most voters feel building housing remains too difficult; opinions on roads and factories are split but lean toward “about right” or “too hard.”
- Large majorities endorse Reagan’s critique of government, though assessments of his economic legacy remain polarized by party.
Policymakers looking to harness public optimism for innovation will need to balance deregulatory approaches with measures that address housing supply and infrastructure bottlenecks—issues voters say are holding back growth in their communities.
