Americans\u2019 confidence in U.S. institutions remains historically low, as reflected in their average view of 14 institutions measured each year since 1993. Currently, 27% of Americans express \u201ca great deal\u201d or \u201cquite a lot\u201d of confidence in these core institutions, one percentage point above the record-low average in 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When limited to the nine institutions measured about annually since 1979, average confidence is also 27%, reflecting the broader similarity of the two trends. Both lists include a mix of government and private sector institutions, making either version appropriate for use as a barometer of national confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Americans\u2019 average confidence in institutions has been trending downward since 1979 \u2014 not gradually, but rather driven by several steep drops. Confidence fell sharply in the early 1980s and again in the early 1990s, each time quickly followed by partial recoveries. An even sharper decline in the mid-2000s associated with the onset of the Great Recession proved more resistant, with confidence remaining at the 2007 low point and sinking even further over the next nine years. Confidence finally showed significant improvement in 2020, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, due to heightened public trust in several institutions most affected by that crisis \u2014 particularly the medical system and public schools. However, average confidence quickly reverted and sunk further to 27% in 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read it all<\/a>.<\/p> Americans\u2019 confidence in U.S. institutions remains historically low, as reflected in their average view of 14 institutions measured each year since 1993.
Currently, 27% of Americans express \u201ca great deal\u201d or \u201cquite a lot\u201d of confidence in these core institutions, one percentage\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/cTDUcocYoa<\/a><\/p>— Gallup (@Gallup) July 14, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>