A Majority Says Hateful Speech Is a Major Threat to Democracy

Publication Date: 09/16/2025 10:00 AM CST

A Majority Says Hateful Speech Is a Major Threat to Democracy

Publication: 09/16/2025 10:00 AM CST

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Fifty-seven percent (57%) say that hateful speech from public figures constitutes a major threat to democracy in the United States.
- Not too divergent in their views on this, 65% of Democrats and 53% of Republicans agree that hateful speech from public figures is the major threat.
- A large majority (73%) of postgraduates say this is a major threat, and 86% of atheists agree.
Forty-two percent (42%) of registered voters say that the January 6th assault on the U.S. Capitol constitutes that threat.
- The parties disagree on this-69% of Democrats say January 6th is the major threat, and only 21% of Republicans agree.
A similar number of voters (37%) think that the assassination of Charlie Kirk was a major threat to democracy.
- Half of Republicans (52%) agree, but only 22% of Democrats agree.
- Not surprisingly, 54% of those following the news on this story say this was a major threat.
- Of those voters who live in high-density areas, 48% think this is true.
- Similarly, 48% of Evangelical Christians say the same.
Fewer voters felt that other realities are major threats.
- Almost one third (30%) say mainstream media is a major threat to democracy.
- Almost one quarter (23%) say uncensored social media is a major threat.
- Only 12% say requiring voters to show photo ID before voting constitutes a major threat to democracy.

The most recent data cited is from a Napolitan News Service survey of 1,000 Registered Voters conducted online by Scott Rasmussen September 13-14, 2025. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. and has a margin of error of +/- 3.1.