A new documentary episode from Tracks East examines whether the American Dream remains a reality or has become an illusion in the U.S.
The film highlights the growing divide between political promises of prosperity and the lived experiences of citizens facing severe economic instability. This tension is central to the current social discourse as residents in major urban centers struggle with basic housing security.
Filmed in New York, the episode titled "Le rêve américain : nostalgie ou illusion ?" was reported by Jean-Michel Scherbak for the Franco-German channel ARTE. The documentary focuses on the contrast between the pledge by Donald Trump to revive the American Dream and the current economic pressures facing the population. These pressures include a rising cost of living, and a pervasive fear of eviction among residents.
The production analyzes how the myth of upward mobility is perceived today. By documenting the struggles of those in New York, the film suggests that the traditional vision of the American Dream is being viewed differently by those currently squeezed by inflation and housing costs.
The documentary is scheduled to air on May 6, 2026 [2]. For those unable to watch the broadcast, the video will remain available online until March 31, 2030 [1].
“The film highlights the growing divide between political promises of prosperity and the lived experiences of citizens.”
The documentary serves as a cultural barometer, illustrating how systemic economic stressors like housing insecurity can decouple a national identity—the American Dream—from the actual material conditions of the working class. By contrasting this reality with the rhetoric of political figures, the film underscores a deepening skepticism toward the possibility of socio-economic mobility in the modern U.S. economy.
