Public Skepticism on the Rise: Americans Lose Trust in Government and Institutions
#politics #public_skepticism #trust_in_government #american_dream #institutions
Public Skepticism on the Rise
A recent POLITICO Poll reveals that a growing number of Americans believe the country’s best days are behind it, with many expressing deep skepticism about government honesty. Nearly two-thirds feel that the federal government frequently misleads the public, fueling a sense of disillusionment that extends beyond politics into broader societal concerns.
Lost Faith in the American Dream
For many, the promise of upward mobility and prosperity—once central to the American identity—now feels out of reach. Polling data from 2025 shows that only about one-third of Americans trust the federal government, while a majority say the American Dream is fading. This sentiment is echoed in global trust surveys, where government and media are seen as both incompetent and unethical.
Broader Implications
As trust in institutions erodes, Americans increasingly look to businesses and local governments for solutions, though confidence in these sectors is also waning. The widespread belief that the nation’s best times are behind us reflects deeper anxieties about the future, economic opportunity, and the integrity of those in power.
About the Organizations Mentioned
POLITICO
## Overview POLITICO is a leading American digital media company dedicated to political journalism, policy analysis, and breaking news, with a particular focus on both U.S. and international politics[1][2]. Founded in 2007 by banker and media executive Robert Allbritton, POLITICO has grown from a single Washington, D.C.-based newsroom into a globally recognized brand, now owned by German media giant Axel Springer SE following a billion-dollar acquisition in 2021[1]. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, POLITICO delivers content through its website, newsletters, podcasts, radio, and, for a time, printed newspapers[1][2]. ## What POLITICO Does POLITICO’s core mission is to provide in-depth coverage of politics, policy, and the personalities shaping government and public life[1][2]. Its reporting spans elections, lobbying, scandals, legislation, and foreign affairs, targeting both general audiences and policy professionals[1][2]. The organization is especially known for its rapid, insider-oriented reporting on the workings of the U.S. federal government, but it has also expanded with dedicated publications covering the European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, and other regions[1]. In addition to its news operations, POLITICO offers subscription-based services like **POLITICO Pro**, a premium policy intelligence platform designed for public policy professionals. POLITICO Pro provides legislative tracking, in-depth analysis, directories, and AI-powered tools to streamline policy research and reporting[4][5]. This platform emphasizes nonpartisan, accurate information and is tailored for those who need to stay ahead in the fast-moving world of government and regulation[4][5]. ## History and Key Achievements POLITICO quickly established itself as a must-read in Washington, D.C., by breaking major stories and setting the agenda for political coverage. Its most notable scoop came in May 2022, when it obtained and published a leaked draft U.S.
