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.

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FIRE POLL: Americans overwhelmingly want free speech protected in AI regulation

PRESS RELEASE

While Americans are apprehensive about the rise of artificial intelligence, they overwhelmingly believe that legislators should protect freedom of speech when crafting AI legislation.

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How do Americans feel about free speech?

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NEW HIGH: 3/4 of Americans say free speech is headed in the wrong direction

Press Release

November 13, 2025

A new FIRE poll finds that a record number of Americans now believe that freedom of speech in the country is headed in the wrong direction.

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FIRE POLL: Only 1/4 of Americans support deporting foreigners for pro-Palestinian views

Press Release

April 17, 2025

The latest National Speech Index also finds that the number expressing “little” or “no” confidence Donald Trump will protect First Amendment rights has risen 10 points since his inauguration.

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

News

January 30, 2025

There is a partisan disagreement about the security of free speech in America and whether or not it is headed in the right direction.

Scales of justice over Constitutional text

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

Press Release

January 30, 2025

Conservatives went from the most pessimistic subgroup to the most optimistic following Donald Trump’s election, while liberals’ optimism fell.

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National Speech Index

Research & Learn

FIRE POLL: Americans overwhelmingly want free speech protected in AI regulation

PRESS RELEASE

How do Americans feel about free speech?

NEW HIGH: 3/4 of Americans say free speech is headed in the wrong direction

Press Release

FIRE POLL: Only 1/4 of Americans support deporting foreigners for pro-Palestinian views

Press Release

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

News

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

Press Release

View Topline Results