The Counsel of Trent #1121 - FFAF: Did Americans in 1998 Predict the Future?
Jan 23, 2026
A look at a 1998 poll that guessed what life would be like in 2025. Topics include predictions about pandemics, gay marriage, and a Black president. They cover assisted suicide, climate catastrophe, and whether women or centenarians would become commonplace. The poll also touches on drug use, cures for AIDS and cancer, online shopping, remote work, and risks of full‑scale war.
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1998 Poll Predicted A Pandemic
- A 1998 USA Today/Gallup poll asked Americans what would happen by 2025 and many predictions were surprising.
- Trent Horn highlights the poll's accuracy on a deadly new disease as notably prescient.
Same-Sex Marriage Became Legal Nationwide
- 74% of respondents thought gay marriage would be commonplace by 2025 and same-sex marriage became legal nationwide.
- Trent Horn notes legal acceptance occurred even if he disputes how "commonplace" it feels culturally.
Black Presidency Came Sooner Than Expected
- 69% expected a Black president; Barack Obama was elected in 2008, fulfilling that prediction a decade later.
- Trent Horn humorously notes past comments claiming Bill Clinton was "the first Black president."