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National Speech Index

Research & Learn

The National Speech Index tracks free speech sentiments in America. It is a quarterly survey component of America's Political Pulse from the Polarization Research Lab.

VIEW Latest Results

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POLL: Conservatives more optimistic, liberals more concerned about free speech in 2025

PRESS RELEASE

FIRE’s latest National Speech Index poll finds confidence in the future of free speech is still low, but jumped significantly compared to July. Conservatives went from the most pessimistic subgroup to the most optimistic following Donald Trump’s election, while optimism fell among liberals.

Explore the Findings

How do Americans feel about free speech?

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Politics determines whether Americans believe their free speech rights will be protected

News

January 30, 2025

��ýapp�ٷ�’s fifth installment of the National Speech Index survey reveals a partisan divide in the security of freedom of speech and the direction it is headed in America.

A fist punching through a sheet of paper

SHOCKING: 4 in 5 Americans think ‘words can be violence’

Press Release

October 31, 2024

In a new FIREpoll, 4 in 5 Americans (80%) agreed at least slightly with the idea that “words can be violence.”

Image of bar graphs, school books, and a student raising a hand.

Poll: Majority of Americans believe First Amendment goes TOO FAR in the rights it guarantees

Press Release

August 1, 2024

Half of Democrats — but only one-fifth of Republicans — think America is on the right track when it comes to free speech.

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Americans don’t trust the government to regulate speech

News

August 1, 2024

��ýapp�ٷ�’s third installment of the National Speech Index survey reveals concerns about government regulations on free speech.

View Topline Results

National Speech Index - January 2025

Reports

National Speech Index - October 2024

Reports

National Speech Index - July 2024

Reports

National Speech Index - April 2024

Reports

National Speech Index - January 2024

Reports

More from the National Speech Index

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Survey shows: Most Americans are concerned about the future of free speech

May 8, 2024

News

There are stark differences between liberals and conservatives on the state of freedom of speech in America today.

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POLL: 69% of Americans believe country on wrong track on free speech

February 27, 2024

Press Release

Only 1 in 4 Americans (25%) think the right to free speech today is either “very” or “completely” secure.

People standing in a line with speech bubbles above their heads

First National Speech Index shows a mixed bag for free speech

February 27, 2024

News

New poll reveals Americans are conflicted about free speech — especially speech they hate.

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