
TL;DR
A record 89% of U.S. adults perceive government corruption as widespread, marking a significant increase from previous years. This perception is notably higher than in other advanced economies, highlighting a growing bipartisan concern.
✦ Why It Matters
Consider advocating for transparency initiatives in your organization to address public concerns about corruption.
Key Takeaways
Full Summary
Recent polling indicates that 89% of U.S. adults believe government corruption is widespread, the highest level in two decades. This figure has risen sharply, particularly among Democrats, whose perception increased from 57% in 2024 to 91% in 2025.
In contrast, Republican views have remained relatively stable, with 83% expressing similar concerns. The U.S. now ranks highest among OECD countries in perceived government corruption, with a 20-point gap compared to the OECD median of 59%.
While perceptions of business corruption also rose to 71%, the gap between government and business corruption perceptions is the largest recorded in the U.S. This trend reflects a rare moment of bipartisan agreement on the issue of corruption.
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