As America approaches its 250th birthday, the mood is surprisingly gloomy.

A recent survey from Pew Research, for instance, found that just 17% of Americans believe the federal government can be trusted to do the right thing… most of the time.

Only about one-quarter say they feel optimistic about the country’s future, and many Americans believe the United States is more divided than united.

Those aren’t exactly the numbers you’d expect heading into a national celebration.

But buried within the polling is something more heartening.

Despite frustration, almost 75% of Americans say they’re proud to be American. Most still describe the nation’s history as a source of pride.

In other words, Americans may be losing faith in institutions.

But they haven’t lost faith in America.

Your Rundown for Wednesday, June 24, 2026...

A Made-In-America Reminder

I was reminded of that yesterday when a box arrived at our Paradigm headquarters.

Inside were dozens of Liberty Bell keychains, commemorating America’s 250th anniversary.

Photo courtesy: Matt Insley

Notably, they weren’t imported from China.

Instead, they were designed and manufactured by subscriber Steve F., president of a Rhode Island-based company.

Before watching Jim Rickards’ “America 76/26” event in Philadelphia, in fact, Steve had already decided to create something special for America’s semiquincentennial.

Last year, he traveled to Philadelphia and took detailed photographs of the Liberty Bell. He used those images for a zinc die-cast keychain.

Then he mailed a box of them to our office — generously, at his own expense — simply because he wanted to share them with Paradigm’s team.

That’s the sort of thing no poll can measure.

Small-business owners betting on new ideas. Engineers solving problems. Skilled tradesmen mentoring apprentices. Neighbors organizing community events. Families volunteering their time.

The headlines often make it sound as though the U.S. is doomed. The reality is different.

For all our arguments and anxieties, we Americans still have a habit of rolling up our sleeves and getting to work.

As we move closer to Independence Day — and the nation's 250th celebration — that’s what gives me confidence.

Not a poll. A Rhode Island family business that believes the nation’s 250th birthday deserves commemorating.

With something made in America.

Market Rundown for Wednesday, June 24, 2026

S&P 500 futures are up 0.35% to 4,465.

Oil’s down almost 3% to $71.05 for a barrel of WTI.

Gold is down 2.75% to $4,032.50 per ounce.

At the time of writing, Bitcoin’s up 0.40% to $62,800.