Gallup: 89% of Americans See Widespread Government Corruption

A recent Gallup poll indicates that a record 89% of U.S. adults believe corruption is widespread throughout the federal government. This figure represents a 10-percentage-point increase from last year and is the highest recorded in Gallup’s 20-year series on the topic.

Record High Perception of Corruption

The 89% figure marks a significant shift, with previous readings generally staying between 72% and 79% from 2010 to 2025. The survey, conducted in May and June 2026, highlights a growing bipartisan frustration with political institutions.

Party Line Breakdown

While the sentiment is widespread, Democrats show the sharpest increase in this perception. In 2024, 57% of Democrats believed corruption was widespread; this jumped to 76% in 2025 and reached 91% this year. Independents are also highly skeptical at 90%, while 83% of Republicans share this view.

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U.S. Diverges from Global Peers

The U.S. perception of government corruption increasingly diverges from other advanced economies. Among OECD countries, the median level of perceived government corruption was 59% in 2025. The U.S. was already at 79% that year, placing it among the highest before the latest surge.

Government vs. Business Corruption

Gallup also found a notable gap between perceptions of government and business corruption. While perceived corruption in U.S. businesses also increased, it only reached 71%. This 18-point difference is the widest Gallup has recorded, indicating a stronger belief in systemic issues within government.

Options market and stocks to watch

This broad sentiment of distrust could impact sectors tied to government contracts or regulatory oversight. Watch for potential volatility in defense contractors like LHX or RTX, as increased scrutiny could lead to policy changes. Companies heavily reliant on government funding or approvals, such as certain healthcare providers or infrastructure firms, might also see shifts. Broader market sentiment, as reflected in indices like SPY or QQQ, could also be affected by sustained public distrust, potentially leading to calls for more transparency or regulatory reform.

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