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.
Forty-two percent (42%) of registered voters say that the January 6th assault on the U.S. Capitol constitutes that threat.
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.
Fewer voters felt that other realities are major threats.
- Almost one third (30%) say mainstream media is a major threat.
- Almost one quarter (23%) say it's uncensored social media.
- Only 12% say requiring voters to show photo ID before voting.

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.