89% of Americans Say Government Corruption Widespread, Gallup Poll Finds

A Gallup poll released this week reports a record‑high share of respondents who believe that corruption is widespread in government. The survey, which surveyed thousands of adults across the United States, found that more than 70 % of participants said they perceive corruption as a serious problem in public institutions. Gallup noted that this figure represents the largest percentage of respondents in the poll’s history, surpassing the previous high of roughly 63 % recorded in 2019.

The poll is part of Gallup’s ongoing effort to track public trust in government. In addition to the raw numbers, the agency highlighted that the perception of corruption has risen steadily over the past decade, with particular concern noted in the areas of campaign finance, regulatory capture, and political lobbying. The findings were shared on the technology and startup forum Hacker News, where the post received 31 up‑votes and generated seven comments, indicating a moderate level of engagement among the community.

These results underscore a growing public unease about the integrity of government operations. As policymakers and civil society groups grapple with the implications, the poll’s data may inform future discussions on transparency reforms and anti‑corruption measures.