Detroit City Wire

Americans' trust in major U.S. institutions remains low, with only 28% expressing significant confidence, according to a recent Gallup poll. This figure is consistent with last year's results and marks the fourth consecutive year of sub-30% averages. However, partisan shifts have been notable since Donald Trump replaced Joe Biden as president.

Democrats' confidence has decreased by five percentage points to a new low of 26%, while Republicans' confidence has risen by nine points to 37%, the highest since 2020. The presidency and police show the most significant divergence between party lines, with Republicans displaying greater confidence than Democrats.

The survey included 18 key U.S. institutions this year, but only small businesses, the military, and science earned majority-level confidence from Americans. "The slightly larger party gaps for the 14 institutions measured since 1993 versus the nine measured since 1979 are largely attributable to the partisan gaps in confidence in the presidency," noted Gallup.

Gallup's latest survey conducted from June 2-26 included four additional institutions: small business, higher education, science, and large technology companies. Notably, Republicans' confidence increased significantly for most institutions compared to last year, particularly for the presidency (+73 points), military (+18), and police (+18). Conversely, Democrats' confidence declined notably in these areas.

Despite these changes among party lines, independents' average confidence level remained relatively stable at 25%. Among racial groups, a substantial divide exists in confidence levels towards police and other institutions.

Overall American trust is strongest in small businesses (70%), followed by the military (62%) and science (61%). Congress and television news remain at the bottom with around 10% expressing high levels of trust.

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