Gallup poll shows corruption perceptions at highest in 20 years
Gallup polling finds almost nine in 10 Americans say government corruption is widespread, the highest in 20 years. Democrats cite a sharp rise during Trump’s second-term start, while GOP views remain steadier.
Almost nine in 10 Americans say that government corruption is widespread.
The count of Americans who believe that corruption is widespread in government is at its highest point in the last 20 years.
Almost nine in 10 Americans say that government corruption is widespread, according to new Gallup polling, an increase of 10 percentage points in the last year.
The shift has largely been driven by Democrats: Fifty-seven percent said corruption was common in government during Joe Biden’s last year in office, but that has risen by 34 points since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term.
More than eight in 10 Republicans agree, but that figure has been more consistent, suggesting party control has less bearing on GOP voters’ views.
Democrats are trying to make corruption an issue in the midterms, alleging Trump has used the office to his personal benefit.
Fewer Americans — seven in 10 — see corruption as widespread in business.
The US is also an outlier among advanced economies in terms of the sheer number of adults who see the government as corrupt.