Decline in Public Trust: Americans' Skepticism Towards Government Information
Public trust in government information has declined in recent years, with a majority of Americans expressing little to no confidence in federal government data on elections, politics, foreign affairs, and the environment. A survey conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and USA Facts reveals that skepticism towards government information has increased since 2024, particularly among Democrats, possibly influenced by President Donald Trump's efforts to dismantle federal agencies.
The survey indicates that trust in government certifications of election results has decreased, with only 34% of U.S. adults having a high level of trust in the process. The politicization of election certification following Trump's loss in the 2020 presidential election has contributed to this lack of confidence. Partisanship plays a significant role in the level of trust, with Democrats and Republicans showing differing levels of skepticism towards government information.
The erosion of trust extends to various topics, including the environment, foreign affairs, elections, politics, abortion, and immigration. Approximately 60% of U.S. adults have low trust in federal government information on these issues, reflecting a broader trend of increasing mistrust in government data since 2019. Changes in government policies and recommendations have further fueled doubts among the public, leading to a decline in confidence in the information provided by the federal government.
The partisan divide in trust in government information has widened since Trump's first term, with Republicans and Democrats showing contrasting levels of confidence depending on the administration in power. Independents have also become more mistrustful of government information, particularly during Biden's presidency. The only issue that does not exhibit a significant partisan gap is vaccination recommendations and safety, with equal levels of distrust across party lines.
As the 2026 midterms approach, concerns about the accuracy of election results are prevalent among the public. Many U.S. adults fear that the federal government may discredit election results, tamper with them, or pressure state officials to alter certifications. Trump's repeated claims of voter fraud and efforts to impose new voting restrictions have contributed to this apprehension, further undermining public trust in the electoral process.
Overall, trust in government certifications of election results has declined, with both Democrats and Republicans expressing lower levels of confidence compared to previous years. The lack of trust extends to political campaign messages, with only a small percentage of U.S. adults believing that party communications are based on factual information. The deep-seated mistrust in government information and political campaigns underscores the challenges of restoring public confidence in the information provided by federal agencies.
In conclusion, the survey highlights a growing skepticism towards government information among Americans, influenced by political polarization and recent changes in government policies. The decline in trust in federal data on various issues, including elections and the environment, underscores the need for transparency and accountability to rebuild public confidence in government information.