Coverage dated September 1, 2026 to September 5, 2026

Poll: U.S. belief that government is corrupt hits 20-year-high

Headline from UPI

Americans' belief in the corruption of government is at a 20-year high at 89%, according to a Gallup poll released Wednesday.

UPI's own description from its feed. We collect headlines and these descriptions, not full articles; read the original reporting below.

Reports & sources

13 articles, oldest first.

  1. Just the News

    Americans who perceive government corruption in the U.S. as widespread hit record high in 2026: poll (opens Just the News)

    Published

    Just the News's feed description

    Much of the increase can be attributed to a sharp rise in Democrats' perception of government corruption, with rapidly rising portions saying corruption is widespread in government in 2026 than in 2024.

  2. Semafor

    Americans see sprawling government corruption, poll finds (opens Semafor)

    Published

    Semafor's feed description

    Almost nine in 10 Americans say that government corruption is widespread.

  3. IVN

    Washington Finally United America: 89% Say Government Corruption Is Widespread (opens IVN)

    Published

    IVN's feed description

    Independents are among the most distrustful Americans, as new polling shows confidence in government and major institutions hovering near historic lows.

  4. Philadelphia Inquirer

    Poll shows nearly 90% of Americans believe government corruption is widespread (opens Philadelphia Inquirer)

    Published

    Philadelphia Inquirer's feed description

    The survey of 1,000 people conducted in May and June reflects the surging bipartisan frustration with the country’s political institutions and the people who run them.

  5. Axios

    Nearly 9 in 10 Americans report widespread government corruption after Trump's return (opens Axios)

    Published

    Axios's feed description

    Data: Gallup ; Chart: Avery Lotz/Axios Americans' perceptions of government corruption have hit a 20-year high following President Trump's return to office, a new Gallup survey found. Why it matters: The results signal a deepening crisis of confidence in the federal government as trust in U.S.

  6. The Hill

    Perceptions of government corruption at record high: Gallup (opens The Hill)

    Published

    The Hill's feed description

    A new poll released Wednesday showed that Americans' perception of corruption in the U.S. government has hit a record high. The survey, conducted by Gallup, found that 89 percent of respondents answered affirmatively to the question, “Is corruption widespread throughout the government in this countr…

  7. The Boston Globe

    Nearly all Americans see corruption in federal government, UMass poll finds (opens The Boston Globe)

    Published

    The Boston Globe's feed description

    Democrats and Republicans are sharply divided over where corruption lies in government and judge the same presidential behavior differently depending on which party is in power, the study shows.

  8. Truthout

    Nearly 9 in 10 Americans Say There’s “Widespread” Corruption in US Government (opens Truthout)

    Published

    Truthout's feed description

    Perceived corruption has skyrocketed to new highs under Trump’s second term in office.

  9. UPI

    Poll: U.S. belief that government is corrupt hits 20-year-high (opens UPI)

    Published

    UPI's feed description

    Americans' belief in the corruption of government is at a 20-year high at 89%, according to a Gallup poll released Wednesday.

  10. The National Pulse

    Poll Reveals 89% of Americans See Corruption as Widespread in Government. (opens The National Pulse)

    Published

    The National Pulse's feed description

    The vast majority of Americans believe that corruption is widespread in the United States government, according to a new poll.

  11. Latin Times

    Nearly 9 in 10 Americans Say Government Corruption Is Widespread, a 20-Year High (opens Latin Times)

    Published

    Latin Times's feed description

    The Gallup findings are a 10-point increase from 2025 and well above the 72% to 79% range recorded between 2010 and 2025

  12. Not The Bee

    89% of Americans say government corruption is rampant, a record high 🥳 (opens Not The Bee)

    Published

    Not The Bee's feed description

    America has never been more divided, except on the issues of Flock cameras and government corruption.

  13. MS Now

    A new poll finds nearly all Americans say government corruption is ‘widespread.’ Blame Trump. (opens MS Now)

    Published

    MS Now's feed description

    The past two years have been full of self-dealing and exploitation of the Oval Office for the president’s personal gain.

Separate coverage close to this update in time and subject.

Poll: U.S. belief that government is corrupt hits 20-year-high | Since Then