Just 19% of Americans Say They Trust the Government in Washington
Jane SusskindPublished: 25 Oct, 2013
1 min read
As of October 16, public trust in the government rests at near-historic lows, with just 19% of Americans saying they trust the government in Washington to do the right thing always or most of the time.
While this isn't the worst response Pew has on record, with August 2011 paralleling the distrust we see today, it's pretty bad, with the government shutdown drastically impacting public perception of our elected officials.
Pew Research Center graphed public opinion to find that, with the exception of some spikes in trust, over time our trust in the government in Washington has spiraled downward:
Credit: Pew Research Center
Despite short term agreement, the government will find itself yet again racing the clock come 2014, and how they decide to proceed will significantly impact how the public perceives them.
Can they regain your trust?
You Might Also Like
Ranked Choice Voting Survives Delay Attempts in DC
According to reporting from The Washington Informer and WUSA9 (CBS), D.C. Councilmember Wendell Felder (D Ward 7) has withdrawn his emergency legislation that would have required the D.C. Board of Elections (DCBOE) to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment before implementing ranked choice voting (RCV) in 2026. Felder’s proposal did not receive enough support from his colleagues during the council’s December 2 legislative meeting, following a breakfast discussion earlier that morning....
04 Dec, 2025
-
3 min read
Remembering Bob Foster
Independent Voter News is saddened to share the passing of Bob Foster, a trusted advisor to the Independent Voter Project and a longtime friend of our organization. He died on Sunday at the age of 78....
04 Dec, 2025
-
2 min read
Did the Republicans or Democrats Start the Gerrymandering Fight?
The 2026 midterm election cycle is quickly approaching. However, there is a lingering question mark over what congressional maps will look like when voters start to cast their ballots, especially as Republicans and Democrats fight to obtain any electoral advantage possible. ...
11 Nov, 2025
-
8 min read