Record 89% of Americans see widespread government corruption

A new Gallup poll finds 89% of Americans believe corruption is widespread in the U.S. government, a record high that places the country in a league of its own among developed nations. The figure marks a sharp rise from 2025's 79%, and unusually, Republicans' perception of corruption has not dropped despite their party controlling the White House and Congress. A separate University of Massachusetts poll found 97% of Americans see some government corruption, with 75% saying there is "a great deal." The surveys come amid scrutiny of President Donald Trump's family business ventures and stock trades by officials, though Democrats in Congress also face criticism for market activity. The findings reflect deep bipartisan mistrust, with most Americans ranking the president as the most corrupt branch of government.