Poll Finds Majority of Americans Distrust Government and View American Dream as Dying
A new nationwide poll released this week shows a deepening mistrust of government institutions among U.S. adults, with 59 percent indicating they believe the government frequently lies. At the same time, a similar proportion — 54 percent — said they consider the American Dream to be effectively dead, reflecting a broad sense of pessimism about the country’s future.
The survey, conducted by an independent research firm on behalf of a major news outlet, asked respondents about their perceptions of political polarization as well. More than half of participants, 59 percent, described the current level of partisan division as “much” or “somewhat” significant, suggesting that growing ideological divides may be reinforcing negative views of both government credibility and economic opportunity.
These findings align with a gradual shift observed in earlier polls over the past decade, which have documented rising skepticism toward political leaders and institutions. Analysts point to a combination of factors, including heightened media fragmentation, the spread of misinformation online, and persistent economic challenges such as wage stagnation and housing affordability, as drivers of the waning confidence in the promise of upward mobility.
Experts and officials responded to the results with caution. Policy analysts noted that declining trust can hinder effective governance, making it harder for lawmakers to enact reforms aimed at addressing income inequality and social mobility. Government representatives emphasized ongoing efforts to improve transparency and public outreach, while acknowledging that rebuilding confidence will require tangible policy outcomes.
Looking ahead, the poll underscores the importance of addressing both the perception and reality of political division. Observers suggest that initiatives fostering bipartisan dialogue, coupled with measurable progress on economic issues, could gradually restore faith in democratic institutions and revive belief in the American Dream. Until such steps materialize, the prevailing sentiment captured by the survey is likely to persist, shaping public discourse and influencing future electoral dynamics.
