U.S. perceptions of government corruption hit 20-year high at 89%, Gallup poll finds

The short version

• A Gallup survey reports that 89% of U.S. adults now view government corruption as widespread, marking a 20-year high.[Hacker News]
• The surge was primarily propelled by Democrats, whose concern rose to 91%, alongside independents at 90%, while 83% of Republicans share the view.[Hacker News]
• The figure places the U.S. well above peer economies, with full 2026 comparative international data still pending across OECD countries.[Hacker News]

Key facts

• Americans' perception that government corruption is widespread reached a 20-year high of 89%.[Hacker News]
• Perceptions of corruption among Democrats increased from 57% in 2024 to 76% in 2025 and reached 91% in 2026.[Hacker News]
• Among political independents, 90% view corruption as widespread, compared to 83% of Republicans.[Hacker News]
• In 2025, the U.S. led OECD nations in perceived government corruption at 79%, compared with an OECD median of 59%.[Hacker News]
• Perceptions of business corruption reached 71%, leaving an 18-point gap below government corruption, the widest gap recorded in the U.S. trend.[Hacker News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Record-High 89% in U.S. Say Government Corruption WidespreadHacker News