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Record high say government corruption widespread
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The gist
Gallup poll: 89% of Americans say government corruption is widespread, up 10 points from last year.
Record high signals deepening distrust in U.S. institutions across party lines.
Background
Gallup's annual survey on perceptions of government corruption in the U.S. has been conducted for decades. The 2026 poll, released on September 2, found that 89% of U.S. adults believe corruption is widespread, the highest level in 20 years and a 10-point jump from 2025. The increase is driven largely by Democrats and independents, whose views have shifted sharply since President Trump returned to office, while Republicans' views have remained relatively stable.
How it unfolded
- 2006Gallup first recorded 59% of Americans saying government corruption is widespread.
- 2010 -2025The figure ranged between 72% and 79%.
- 202457% of Democrats said corruption was widespread, the lowest among party groups.
- 2025Democrats' perception rose to 76% in Trump's first year back in office.
- Sep 2, 2026Gallup releases poll showing 89% of Americans say government corruption is widespread, a record high; Democrats at 91%, independents 90%, Republicans 83%.
Who’s saying what
- Gallup
- The near convergence of partisans' views on corruption has lifted the U.S. figure to its record high.
- Expert
- Peter Loge of George Washington University notes Americans have long been wary of government corruption, quoting Mark Twain's quip about Congress.