Top 10 Biggest Problems with America

Wow, where do we start? Drugs, violence, corruption, war, the Jonas Brothers... My fellow Americans, we find ourselves in a challenging spot.

America has no shortage of problems, and arguing over which one is the biggest could practically become its own national pastime. Polling continues to show that Americans are concerned about a wide range of issues, including health care costs, the federal deficit, inflation, drug addiction, gun violence, violent crime, and the performance of government.

So what is our most significant issue, and what can we do to solve it?

The Top Ten

Donald Trump

Donald John Trump (born June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York) is an American businessman, television personality, politician, and the 45th and 47th President of the United States.
Born and raised in Queens, New York City, Donald J. Trump received an economics degree from the Wharton School of the... read more

Keep this deformed-looking orange calico on this list. He's back in office and now he's making more problems than he already made in 2016.
Now it's 2025 and he's already trying to isolate America. He's so full of himself that he had the audacity to name a body of water he didn't even own the "Gulf of America." Who would ever call it that?
When I turn 21, the first country I'm going to is Brazil or Australia. Why are they trying to imprison this country? If it's about "freedom," then why is he trying to bring back racism?
He's also raising the cost of living. So if you're Australian, Chinese, British, Korean, Japanese, or from any other country, do not come to America.
Flaws in the Education System

I live in America and attended an advanced school. Still, I must admit that there's a lot I don't know about my own country, which people from other countries seem to be familiar with. I'm unclear about the details of many of our wars. Some individuals assume I'm uninformed, but the reality is, I was never taught these topics.
What's even more concerning is that immigrants who come here to become legal citizens are expected to know intricate details about America, like the Bill of Rights. Most Americans wouldn't be familiar with that, nor could they name all of our presidents or the capitals of our states. One might question the importance of this knowledge, as it's not information we use daily. However, it highlights a significant issue. Besides lacking in-depth knowledge about other countries, our education system also fails to teach us adequately about our own history and nation. Every subject is merely touched upon without much depth.
Racism

Yeah, I hate racism in the USA. So what if you're black and I'm white? We're both humans but with different skin color. So what? I really don't see why one race should think they are better than the other race. I never understand white supremacy. It's stupid and illogical.
The racists that really irk me are the Americans who are racist and then claim to be Christian. If they were true to their faith, they would see that God just wants us to all live as one. Jesus told us to love each other, not hate, criticize, or judge. He condemned all those things. The answer is to love each other always. We are all brothers and sisters in God's eyes, and we should all live in peace and unity regardless of skin color or ethnicity.
Lack of Respect for the Rest of the World

Within the last few years, no one had the internet. No one could reach out if they could. Now we are everywhere. We can talk to many at one time. People do not have respect here in America. How can they have respect for anyone else?
Have you ever read an old social studies book from the 1920s or 1930s era? Things are passed down through generations, not just recipes. They pass down bias and hate, so each person teaches their generation the hate. If you were to ask why, they probably would not know. It was passed down. My husband and I run an orphanage in Africa with my daughter Olivia. The love those people give is amazing. We must stop spreading hate and biased opinions about people, especially those of different colors. Sometimes, I can still see the lynch mobs, the ones that gathered a criminal in the middle of the square and hung him there. The way some people are treated, how quickly they can go from sweet to evil in one sentence, was not that long ago, but it happened. Have we only progressed in technology, leaving how we treat others behind?
Bullying

I want to say that there's a difference between getting bullied and just getting picked on. Name-calling, teasing, pointing, and that sort of stuff, while hurtful, is mainly just getting picked on. Bullying is when somebody feels threatened and unsafe.

I think it's hard to understand what someone is going through unless you experience that yourself. I've never had those kinds of problems, but only because I go to a great school where bullying is practically nonexistent. I do know how it feels to just want to be normal so people stop treating you differently.
Bullies have a completely different mindset. There is a good chance they grew up in a bad home and developed such a weak mind that they use their physical strength to feel stronger. There is always a reason. That doesn't make it any better, but perhaps if more effort was put into trying to understand both the victims and the bullies, a bridge could be built.
Bullies want people to feel how they felt, longing for someone to understand, which is why they don't stop. Wanting someone to understand you is a human instinct everyone feels naturally. How can anyone be expected to fight against that?
Environmental Destruction

Both environmental destruction and the threat of nuclear war could have long-term impacts on Earth and us. While school bullying might persist, it's not necessarily a global issue.
Destroying the environment means fewer resources to fuel technology and a less safe habitat. Some experts predict that, at our current rate, humans could become extinct within a century or so.
We must protect the environment since Earth is the only location within light years capable of supporting human life. It's essential to consider the long-term implications as well.

People cut down forests and build on land that is home to plants, animals, bugs, and other organisms. Many in humankind believe they are more important nowadays. But are we?
Consider an animal you particularly admire. Look at a photo of it. Do you genuinely believe you are significantly more important? Some might argue they aren't responsible for destruction, but what if they were the ones tearing down a forest?
Biased Media

The media constantly praise and focus attention on non-talented bimbos who are famous for no reason. There is no morality in the media whatsoever.
If you had two women and the first was a very talented singer, songwriter, and played musical instruments but she respects her body so doesn't sell herself sexually by stripping and acting promiscuous all over TV, and the other woman has no talents or anything notable to be famous for but will do anything for money and fame (take her clothes off or do something disgusting and low to gain attention, fame, and money), which one will the media pick to shine the light on? They'll pick the woman with no morals and give her loads of media attention and turn her into a celebrity.
Then they will publicize her sex life, boob jobs, and cosmetic surgeries. She will date celebrity men and bed hop between them to keep her name in the papers. It is all just pointless, because she doesn't deserve that kind of attention, whereas the woman who has talent and just wants to sell her music gets no attention from the media, which stops her from turning into a worldwide superstar. But the bimbo who has no credits to her name is hailed as some sort of great person. It's crazy. That is what I don't like about the media.
Obesity

This is a significant problem in the U.S. More and more people are gaining weight. Junk food is promoted constantly. I can't get through an hour without seeing a fast food commercial. I'm genuinely concerned for our American population. Over time, we might become so inactive and overweight that we face early deaths due to severe health problems resulting from excessive body fat. Exercise and healthy living are scarcely promoted in the U.S. It seems the country is encouraging laziness and supporting fast food industries for profit, not the health of its citizens.
I don't want to sound hypocritical, as I eat junk food occasionally, but I'm cautious not to overindulge. Additionally, I'm bothered by how some obese individuals complain about being "fat-shamed" and assert that "they are happy the way they are." No, obesity and being overweight are issues that need addressing. They aren't necessarily points of pride. If you have a naturally large body frame or are an endomorph, then you're not considered overweight and should indeed be content with your body. But I can't understand why some overweight individuals complain about fat shaming when they don't acknowledge their health issues.
Corruption

Although Americans understand most of the issues facing the country, they don't have a clear understanding of the costs. This refers to the monetary impact on their pockets and how it affects the choices they make daily. Candidates often fail to explain these costs and avoid discussing choices.
This concern prompted me to write a book on the subject titled "Choices." The book describes the issues, discusses the monetary costs, and how they affect the daily decisions Americans need to make. It also sheds light on how many of those choices are becoming limited or taken away. Being ranked second in the world for ignorance is a troubling statement.
Drug Abuse

Cigarettes and alcohol cause many problems, including death and violence. However, making these drugs illegal would lead to issues similar to those experienced in the early 1900s with prohibition.
The illegality of weed and others also results in death and violence, particularly in the form of gang violence and drug wars. This issue has a fine line that's easy to cross on either side, and neither option is truly beneficial.
Marijuana should be legalized for medical reasons and also because the government shouldn't dictate what people do with their bodies. It's problematic.

Drugs have always been a problem and always will be because there will always be that one person who thinks they are right. However, drugs are not so much a problem with the older generation as they are with the younger generation.
The younger people think drugs will make them cooler or solve their problems, when in fact, they often cause more problems than before. These problems include money loss, loss of family or friends, and can obviously result in death and other issues that the newer generation may not be aware of.

The Newcomers

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JD Vance

James David Vance (born James Donald Bowman. August 2, 1984) is an American politician, author, attorney, and Marine Corps veteran. Since 2025, he has served as the 50th Vice President of the United States. A member of the Republican Party, Vance represented Ohio in the U.S. Senate from 2023 to 2025... read more

Thing is, is that he is arguably worse than Trump. At least Trump is too stupid to actually destroy democracy... this man is an Ivy League graduate and has nearly the same views.
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Tipping Practices

It's a fraud. I don't see tipping in other countries like I do in America. Employees also get mad if you select "no tip" or even if you leave a small tip like 10%.
Then why is there a "no tip" button? What is it for?
That's why I don't go to restaurants. Shaking my head.
THIS IS AMERICA

The Contenders

Terrorism

Terrorism is a huge problem not just in the world, but within the US as well. It isn't just people who identify themselves as a member of ISIS. It's also people who shoot up schools, airports, and people of different races, including white people. It is a terrible problem that must be solved, but continues because we let it.
We identify a group of people as terrorists, and those who minutely relate to them are grouped with the insane and violent terrorists too. Then come problems with discrimination, racism, sexism, etc. If we solve one of these problems, it may solve them all.
If we are united, like those years fighting alongside each other against the British who practiced tyranny during the Revolution, if we devote our time and our hearts into restoring or making our home a better place, then join arms with your white, black, and brown brothers and sisters, and show what the American Dream actually meant to us! If I can believe in you, try to believe in yourself.
Disrespect for Elders

I am a 16-year-old girl. I navigate drama and I constantly disrespect my elders and people in general. I have the courage to admit it, and I'm not making small remarks trying to defend myself.
This is a problem because no matter how much the world changes, our elders still possess more knowledge than we do. The core issues remain consistent. They have experienced war, witnessed frequent deaths, felt happiness, understood life, accumulated wealth, incurred debt, and so on. The sooner we learn to respect our elders, the better off we'll be. Many prosperous Asian countries have cultures where children respect their elders.
People often argue that everyone should be treated with the same level of respect. If we adhere to that, we might end up respecting no one. Our generation, the millennials and Generation Z, are arguably the most disrespectful generations to date. We come across as entitled, demanding respect without offering it in return. We're seen as hypocritical. In the future, we might lament the disrespect shown by upcoming generations, but in reality, we are initiating this cycle. Yes, everyone deserves respect, but our elders, above all, deserve it. They possess invaluable wisdom, including even those elders some label as rude.
Barack Obama

Barack Hussein Obama II (born August 4, 1961) served as the 44th President of the United States from 2009 to 2017, becoming the first African-American to hold the office. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as a U.S. Senator from Illinois (2005 to 2008) and as an Illinois state senator... read more

Trump is DEFINITELY NOT as big a problem as this dude. The more people accept that, the better everyone will be. Everyone wants to blame one person, and obviously, it's the systems that are corrupt. But Trump is not as bad as you think, and he's definitely not perfect, despite his probable bigotry. Many Democrats have been fueling the fire, and people just like to take things out of context. This is not an opinion.

Barack Obama was empowered by many who were upset and had no idea as to what is good or bad for America. Obama dismantled the foundation of our country and has pushed us over the line of no return to a stable and good country. Regardless of political or philosophical idealism, this is a God-sized problem that will require more than protests, words, or ideals to fix.
Unnecessary Involvement in Foreign Wars

To be honest, like most Americans, we don't really care, as sad as that is. As long as we have our lives, we would rather just have funds to spread elsewhere. The amount of economic damage that is dealt every time we go into a war is just far too much.

The US is often entangled in the dirty work of the UN and NATO. Most of the conflicts don't directly harm or impact the US. Their intervention is sometimes beneficial, such as during the World Wars and the Yugoslavian Wars, and sometimes controversial, such as those Middle Eastern crusade things.
Anti-Patriotism

We live in one of the freest, most wonderful, and diverse countries in the world. This diversity is the secret behind the greatness of the USA, but it's also the root of much division today. Until every citizen or visitor can put aside our differences and strive for common goals, supporting each other and placing our country and flag first, this nation will implode from within.
We should take pride in our country and stand side by side as one united people. I aspire to be the first member of the No Race, Race! You are me, and I am you. We are all the same. If you don't love your country, then ask yourself why and consider what you can do to change that sentiment. God bless America and all its citizens.
Partisanship
Rape

I was sexually abused as a child, and I know a lot of people in my hometown who were victims as well. What is saddening about this issue is that no justice is brought to most victims.

I feel that it's not just children, it's adult women too. And sometimes, even though it's rare, men can be victims too. It's very sad how some people are picked up from the streets and used for money.

This is a very important social issue. We need to stop this.
Issues with Gay Rights

I think it is crazy that this is something that has to be talked about. It's crazy that some people are forced to not be themselves due to other people's judgment. The USA, along with every other country, should allow gay people to have the same rights as any other person. There should be no differences in how a gay or straight person is treated. Ten percent of the population is gay, so just because the majority of people are straight does not mean you can team up on somebody who is different. We should learn to embrace the differences inside the human race instead of lashing out when anything is different.

This is one problem we really need to work on. The LGBTQ population makes up about 10% of the world's population, and the gay population has been fighting a fight to gain rights. They should have rights. They should have the same opportunities and be treated the same as any other human. The U.S. Constitution states that every man and woman shall be equal, but over the course of American history, this hasn't really played out.
There are homophobes in our government. There are many among our population. These people must let go of their beliefs, and homophobes must be stopped. If we are to be a free country, then make it free. The LGBTQ community has been fighting this fight for far too long, and with our current president, it seems like they may have to fight longer.
They shouldn't have to fight. They should already have the right to be equal. Just because someone is different does not mean you have to ridicule and discriminate against them. Please, I ask all of you, the LGBTQ community needs to have the same freedoms that anyone else has. Please join the fight.
Violence

Violence is the reason many people are afraid to walk the streets they call home. Feeling uneasy is not the way to live when all you want is to live life the way YOU choose.

I have a brother who becomes quite violent when he doesn't get what he wants. He is older than me, and it's disheartening to witness the increasing violence in our world.

We're killing each other without a second thought. Video games have desensitized an entire generation.
Income Inequality

"Income inequality" doesn't necessarily mean sexism. It gets my vote, but the inequality I'm talking about is the huge wealth disparity between blue-collar workers and primarily shareholders of various companies.

It's obvious to all, but while people aspire to be on the other side of the gap, we have no hope. Religions will die, and it will be centuries yet before we address this.

Women should be more respected since we are the ones who give life to people.
Trump Supporters

You are the problem, not the solution. Stop making excuses for what you hear this man saying. You are the problem.
Alt-Right and SJW Extremism

Race doesn't exist, and yet every race needs equity. We're all special, even though we're all the same. Victims are heroes. I have the right of free speech (assaulting you violently), but you have no right to offend me.
I live in America, but he's not my President. Women are a social construct, yet obesity is genetics. I have no sources, no statistics, no study results, but I have feelings.
I love diversity, so let's have people (who are all the same, remember), mix together...but only in white countries.

American society was founded on the principles of free thought and free speech. Social Justice Warriors represent the pinnacle of what the founding fathers wanted to avoid. They believe entirely in "unified thought" and consistently disrespect and dismiss dissenting opinions, even within their own ranks. It is a divisive ideology that seeks to control the thoughts and emotions of everyone.
Obsession with Guns

Considering only 28% of the country has a bachelor's degree or higher, I'd argue that many people - especially police officers, whose minimum job requirement is a high school diploma - might be too uneducated to responsibly handle firearms. But then again, we are a warring society that occupies other countries and extracts their resources. So, our populace having access to powerful weapons seems consistent with our broader societal behavior.
By the way, there were studies that showed police officers with a bachelor's degree or higher resorted to violence roughly 50% less than officers without any college education. The only officers without degrees who rivaled the performance of those with degrees were ones with over 20 years of experience in law enforcement. I believe that police officers should have at least a bachelor's degree, which would potentially equip them to rely more on their cognitive skills than physical force.
School Shootings

We have become so accustomed to this that America, as a whole, has become numb to it. Case in point, why is it ranked at 31?
This problem in our society is directly correlated with bullying, depression, terrible home environments, and inadequate healthcare for those in need of psychiatric help. Drugs and alcohol also play a significant role, as does domestic violence.
The list goes on and on, and incidents like school and workplace shootings are the devastating and life-ending outcomes.

It's more likely to die in a school shooting than to die in the military. We need to prioritize protecting our children over giving more money to the greedy NRA and its manipulative propaganda.
The 2nd Amendment states that we have the right to an organized armed militia. It is being stretched out of context to pit the American people against each other for the profit of the greedy capitalists.
Global Warming

The Earth is dying. What is worse than this? If there is no Earth, there are no people. There is no you or me or anyone. Simple as that. Why isn't this the number one problem? Why is this considered a "belief" in America but a fact in all others? If people don't believe the scientists that this is a big issue, then why don't they become scientists themselves and try to disprove that this isn't real instead of sitting back and making illogical statements?
We can't just escape to another planet. We won't get the technology on time, and no other planet is as habitable as Earth. We will have to wear gas masks and buy air. This is ridiculous. The first step in fixing this problem is fixing people's mindsets. If we have that, everyone will start putting effort to put out the flames of our burning home. People have to stop destroying the planet for economic benefit. They will actually gain more economic profits in the long run if they stop for a second and help the planet.
Everyone has the power to help save the planet. When I say everyone, I do mean every single human being on this Earth. All you have to do is stop consuming animals and animal products. If everyone did that, if you did that, our planet will be in better shape than it is right now. It's either you give up something that tastes good or give up any chances of survival on Earth and watch humans go extinct by dying the painful way. Going vegan will also save all the hundreds of millions of animals that are born to die and be slaughtered. You won't contribute to this unethical and cruel practice, and animals don't have to be in pain for human benefit. This is a win-win. Go vegan now. There is no time left.