In the Pew Charitable Trust’s Trend Magazine, Pew Research Center leadership examines the sharp decline in Americans’ trust in key institutions — including the federal government, the Supreme Court, news media, science, and education — especially since the pandemic. The article emphasizes how this decrease in confidence is divided along partisan lines, reflecting increasing political polarization. It also suggests ways to address the historic lows in trust, such as being less partisan, embracing kindness, and electing inspiring leaders.
Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes, and trends shaping America and the world. We conduct public opinion polling, demographic research, content analysis, and other data-driven social science research. We do not take policy positions. We are a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts, our primary funder.
