Record-High 89% in U.S. Say Government Corruption Widespread
Points and comments are a snapshot, not live.
89% of Americans say government corruption is widespread, a record high.
Gallup polling shows 89% of U.S. adults perceive widespread government corruption, up 10 points from 2025. Democrats surged from 57% (2024) to 91% (2026), while Republicans held at 83%. The U.S. now leads OECD nations in perceived government corruption, which fell to a median 59% in 2025. Perceived business corruption rose to 71%, creating the largest gap between government and business corruption in U.S. trend data. The near convergence of partisan views drove the record high.
The gap between the U.S. and the OECD median could widen further in 2026.
What commenters are saying
Commenters express widespread cynicism, with some noting corruption is bipartisan but others arguing Trump's administration represents unprecedented open corruption. Several point to the 45% of Americans identifying as political independents as a sign of disaffection. One commenter claims the 11% denying widespread corruption are government workers or Trump supporters. Debates emerge over whether independents lean left or right, and whether voting third party is viable.
Some commenters dispute that either party truly opposes corruption, while others argue Democrats have pushed reform more consistently than Republicans.