If 89% of Americans think government corruption is widespread, the next election becomes less about convincing people who is trustworthy and more about convincing them who is less corrupt. That makes anti establishment candidates much easier to sell.
BREAKING: 🇺🇸 89% Americans say corruption is widespread throughout the U.S. government.
This is the highest level recorded in 20 years, in a survey by Gallup. pic.twitter.com/XyNgocyeWY
— Bull Theory (@BullTheoryio) September 5, 2026
89% of Americans say government corruption is widespread
https://news.gallup.com/poll/713933/record-high-say-government-corruption-widespread.aspx
The number jumped 10 points in one year, after spending most of the previous 15 years between 72% and 79%.
U.S. becomes an outlier among advanced economies
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2026/09/02/gallup-poll-government-corruption/7571788378826/
The median perceived corruption level across OECD countries was below 60% in 2025, compared with 89% in the U.S.
Business corruption is rising too
https://news.gallup.com/poll/713933/record-high-say-government-corruption-widespread.aspx
The perception isn’t limited to Washington. 71% of Americans also say corruption is widespread in business, up 8 points from last year. But government is viewed as substantially more corrupt, with an 18-point gap.