According to a new Gallup survey, 89% of U.S. adults believe that government corruption is widespread, marking a 10-point increase from the previous year and the highest level recorded in 20 years. This increase follows President Trump's return to office and indicates a growing crisis of confidence in U.S. institutions, which are already experiencing low trust levels. The survey results reveal that 91% of Democrats perceive corruption as widespread, up from 76% during Trump's first year in office. Additionally, about 90% of independents share this view, reflecting a 12-point increase since 2024. In contrast, approximately 80% of Republicans believe corruption is widespread, a figure consistent with previous years.
The survey highlights that while citizens in many developed nations feel their governments are becoming less corrupt, Americans' perceptions are worsening. Among the 38 member countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the U.S. now ranks highest in perceived corruption, surpassing countries such as Lebanon, Peru, Ghana, and Nigeria. The data for 2026 is not yet complete, as Gallup conducts polling throughout the year.
White House spokesman Davis Ingle stated that President Trump has initiated efforts to combat fraud in the federal government, asserting that Democrats have not taken action to address waste and corruption. The survey methodology involved polling at least 1,000 Americans annually since 2005, along with surveying between 500 and over 3,000 individuals in other countries to gauge sentiment across OECD nations.