Read the Beforeitsnews.com story here. Advertise at Before It's News here.

By Freedom Bunker
Contributor profile | More stories

Story Views
Now:
Last hour:
Last 24 hours:
Total:

Trust In The US Government Has Plunged From 77% To 17%

Monday, March 2, 2026 8:17

% of readers think this story is Fact. Add your two cents.

Over the past seven decades, Americans’ trust in the federal government has dropped from postwar highs to historic lows.

In 1964, 77% said they trusted Washington to do what is right most of the time.

As of September 2025, that figure stands at just 17%.

The chart below, via Visual Capitalist’s Niccolo Conte, tracks this long-term shift, using data from Pew Research Center.

While trust has occasionally surged during moments of national crisis, the broader trajectory shows a steady erosion across generations.

From Postwar Highs to Vietnam-Era Decline

Trust peaked in 1964, when 77% of Americans said they trusted the federal government most of the time. Even in 1958, nearly three-quarters of the public expressed confidence in the federal government.

That began to change in the late 1960s and early 1970s. By 1970, trust had fallen to 54%, and it slipped further to 36% by 1974 in the aftermath of Watergate.

The Vietnam War, political scandals, and economic turbulence reshaped public opinion for decades to come.

Date	Trust the government (%)
9/28/2025	17
2/9/2025	19
5/19/2024	18
6/11/2023	19
05/01/2022	20
4/11/2021	21
8/2/2020	24
4/12/2020	21
3/25/2019	17
12/04/2017	18
4/11/2017	19
10/04/2015	18
7/20/2014	19
2/26/2014	18
11/15/2013	20
10/13/2013	19
5/31/2013	20
02/06/2013	22
1/13/2013	23
10/31/2012	19
10/19/2011	17
10/04/2011	15
9/23/2011	18
8/21/2011	21
2/28/2011	23
10/21/2010	23
10/01/2010	21
09/06/2010	23
09/01/2010	23
04/05/2010	23
04/05/2010	22
3/21/2010	24
2/12/2010	22
02/05/2010	21
1/10/2010	20
12/20/2009	21
8/31/2009	22
6/12/2009	23
12/21/2008	25
10/15/2008	24
10/13/2008	24
07/09/2007	24
01/09/2007	28
10/08/2006	29
9/15/2006	30
02/05/2006	31
1/20/2006	33
01/06/2006	32
12/02/2005	32
9/11/2005	31
09/09/2005	30
6/19/2005	35
10/15/2004	39
7/15/2004	41
3/21/2004	38
10/26/2003	36
7/27/2003	43
10/15/2002	46
09/04/2002	46
09/02/2002	40
7/13/2002	40
6/17/2002	43
1/24/2002	46
12/07/2001	49
10/25/2001	54
10/06/2001	49
1/17/2001	44
10/31/2000	38
10/15/2000	42
07/09/2000	39
04/02/2000	38
2/14/2000	34
10/03/1999	36
9/14/1999	33
5/16/1999	33
2/21/1999	31
2/12/1999	32
02/04/1999	34
1/10/1999	34
01/03/1999	37
12/01/1998	33
11/15/1998	30
11/01/1998	26
10/26/1998	28
8/10/1998	31
2/22/1998	35
02/01/1998	33
1/25/1998	32
1/19/1998	32
10/31/1997	31
8/27/1997	31
06/01/1997	26
1/14/1997	27
11/02/1996	27
10/15/1996	28
5/12/1996	31
05/06/1996	29
11/19/1995	27
08/07/1995	22
08/05/1995	21
3/19/1995	20
2/22/1995	21
12/01/1994	21
10/29/1994	22
10/23/1994	20
06/06/1994	19
1/30/1994	20
1/20/1994	22
3/24/1993	25
1/17/1993	25
1/14/1993	25
10/23/1992	25
10/15/1992	25
06/08/1992	29
10/20/1991	35
03/06/1991	42
03/01/1991	46
1/27/1991	40
12/01/1990	33
10/28/1990	32
09/06/1990	35
1/16/1990	38
6/29/1989	39
1/15/1989	41
11/10/1988	43
10/15/1988	41
1/23/1988	40
10/18/1987	43
06/01/1987	43
03/01/1987	44
1/21/1987	43
1/19/1987	42
12/01/1986	44
11/30/1986	43
09/09/1986	44
1/19/1986	44
11/06/1985	43
7/29/1985	42
3/21/1985	40
2/27/1985	42
2/22/1985	45
11/14/1984	44
10/15/1984	41
12/01/1982	39
11/07/1980	32
10/15/1980	30
3/12/1980	27
11/03/1979	28
12/01/1978	31
10/23/1977	32
4/25/1977	34
10/15/1976	36
09/05/1976	35
6/15/1976	35
03/01/1976	34
02/08/1976	35
12/01/1974	36
10/15/1972	53
12/01/1970	54
10/15/1968	62
12/01/1966	65
10/15/1964	77
12/01/1958	73

Temporary Surges During National Crises

Although the long-term trend is downward, trust has occasionally rebounded during moments of national unity. After the 9/11 attacks, trust jumped from 44% to 54% in a matter of months. It was one of the last times a majority expressed confidence in Washington.

Similar, though smaller, increases occurred during other crises. In early 2020, trust briefly rose to 24% amid the COVID-19 outbreak. However, these bumps have proven short-lived, with trust quickly returning to lower levels.

A New Era of Persistent Low Trust

Since the mid-2000s, trust in government has rarely crossed the 30% mark. In the 2010s and early 2020s, it often dipped below 20%.

As of September 2025, just 17% of Americans say they trust the federal government most of the time — near the lowest level recorded in Pew’s time series.

If you enjoyed today’s post, check out America’s Growing Mountain of Debt on Voronoi, the new app from Visual Capitalist.

Tyler Durden Mon, 03/02/2026 – 07:20

Source: https://freedombunker.com/2026/03/02/trust-in-the-us-government-has-plunged-from-77-to-17/

Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world.

Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.

"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.

Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.

LION'S MANE PRODUCT

Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules

Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.

Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.

Comments

Visits:	1,786,820,414
Stories:	8,602,711