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

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.

“Democrats’ perceptions appear closely linked to which party controls the administration. Republicans’ greater consistency on this measure — despite the 2024 election delivering them the White House and Congress — suggests a more underlying view of government corruption that depends less on the party in power,” Gallup wrote.

The poll found that perceived corruption in the US is higher in government than in businesses, with 71 percent saying that corruption is widespread in businesses, nearly a 20-point difference. Gallup noted that between 2006 and 2025, perceptions of government corruption averaged 11 points higher than business corruption.

The poll also noted that perceived corruption in government in the US outpaces all other member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which has 38 member nations. Colombia was the highest-ranking member nation, at 79 percent, 10 points lower than the US.

“Perceptions of government corruption are now higher in the U.S. than at any point in the past two decades and outpace most other countries, including advanced economies. While perceptions of corruption in business are also elevated, government corruption is seen as significantly more widespread,” Gallup concluded.