89% of Americans believe corruption is 'widespread' in US government: Gallup poll

A new poll has found that the share of Americans who believe corruption is widespread in the government has reached a 30-year high, jumping 10 points from 2025 alone.

The Gallup poll found that 89 percent of Americans overall believe that corruption is widespread in the US government. 10 years ago, that number was 76 percent, and in 2006, that number was 59 percent. Results have consistently come in above 70 percent since 2010.

By political affiliation, 83 percent of Republicans said corruption was widespread, with 91 percent of democrats and 90 percent of independents responding the same. In 2024, 57 percent of Democrats said the same. Gallup noted that the parties’ responses likely stem from different issues. ---More...

Americans’ perceptions of government corruption in the U.S. are at their highest level in 20 years, with 89% of U.S. adults saying it is widespread.

That figure is up 10 percentage points from last year and well above readings in the 72% to 79% range between 2010 and 2025. pic.twitter.com/829dxi4TVm

— Gallup (@Gallup)September 2, 2026

Americans’ perceptions of government corruption in the U.S. are at their highest level in 20 years, with 89% of U.S. adults saying it is widespread.

That figure is up 10 percentage points from last year and well above readings in the 72% to 79% range between 2010 and 2025.

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