Knight Foundation/SSRS Perspectives on Free Expression Survey 2026

That work helps inform the Foundation’s strategy and investments, but it also helps set the table for a more informed public dialogue about how this core democratic value operates in practice. That focus reflects a conviction Knight has held since its founding, expressed in its commitment to support “the First Amendment freedoms of speech and of the press everywhere, believing that upon them rest all other human freedoms.”

At the core of the First Amendment is a basic principle: that people should be able to express themselves without fear of government interference or punishment. As the country marks its 250th anniversary, Knight partnered with SSRS to understand whether Americans believe we are living up to our truest ideals, and whether they feel able to exercise their expressive rights in their own lives.

Here’s what we heard:

Free expression not widely felt across American society: Just over half of Americans think of themselves as ‘very’ or ‘mostly’ free to express their political views without government interference or punishment today.

Americans feel that free expression rights are eroding: The survey identified perceived downward pressure and a stunning 30 point decline when asked to compare their freedom to express themselves without fear of government interference or punishment ten years ago to their expectations for ten years from now.

Guarded views of free expression consistent across mediums: Whether reporting the news, creating art or using social media, barely half of the country feels we are free to express ourselves without government interference or punishment today.

Community engagement is associated with a greater ability to express oneself: Americans who are civically active (voting, volunteering, or talking with neighbors) are more likely to say they are free to use their free expression rights.

For more on these findings, read the fact sheet here.
Download the full data set here.