WASHINGTON, D.C. — Just under a third of U.S. adults (31%) say they have “a lot” or “some” trust in the federal government to act in society’s best interest, according to the latest survey from Bentley University and Gallup. This figure is substantially lower than those who say the same about charitable organizations (80%), state and local governments (50%) and businesses (43%).
These findings are from the Bentley University-Gallup Business in Society survey, which is based on a May 5-12, 2025, nationally representative web survey conducted using the Gallup Panel.
The survey finds broad majorities of Democrats, independents and Republicans expressing at least some trust in charitable organizations to act in society’s best interest, while only about one in three of each group trust the federal government to do the same.
Meanwhile, about six in 10 Democrats, but less than half of both independents (47%) and Republicans (45%) trust state and local governments. Conversely, businesses earn the trust of almost six in 10 Republicans but fewer Democrats and independents (39% each).
Federal Government Viewed as Most Able to Impact Lives but Least Effective
Of the four institutions, the federal government is viewed as having the most power to positively impact people's lives, yet it is perceived as the least effective at doing so. Sixty-four percent of Americans think the federal government has “a great deal” of power to make a positive impact on people’s lives, and nearly as many, 60%, say the same of state and local governments. However, far fewer U.S. adults believe businesses (35%) and charitable organizations (25%) wield the same degree of power.
In contrast, far more Americans believe charities (80%), state and local governments (62%), and businesses (60%) are effective in making a positive impact on people’s lives than is the federal government (51%).
The survey, conducted annually since 2022, finds Americans have consistently viewed the federal government as the least effective institution of the four. However, its perceived effectiveness has gradually increased 12 percentage points over that period (from 39% in 2022 to 43% in 2023 and 47% in 2024) and is now the highest to date.
Majorities of Democrats and Republicans think each institution is effective at making a positive impact on people’s lives. Democrats are somewhat more likely to say state and local governments are effective, while Republicans are more likely to say businesses are, but the two groups hold similar views about the federal government and charities. Just under half of independents think the federal government is effective, but majorities agree that the other institutions are.
Democrats were mostly responsible for the overall upticks in perceived effectiveness of the federal government from 2022 to 2024, when their party held the presidency. However, this year, with Donald Trump in the White House, the reading dropped 10 points among Democrats. In contrast, Republicans’ perception of the federal government’s effectiveness has surged 24 points since 2024.
Americans See Businesses Falling Short on Healthcare, Environment, Equitable Pay
While businesses are trusted more than the federal government to act in society’s best interests and make a positive impact on people’s lives, Americans rate businesses negatively in other respects. There are large gaps between what the public sees as priorities for businesses and how they perceive businesses performing in these areas.
Majorities of Americans say it is “extremely important” for companies to offer quality healthcare to their employees (73%), support their communities (61%), operate sustainably (60%), provide mental health support (58%), and avoid major pay gaps between CEOs and regular employees (55%).
In addition, half of U.S. adults think it is of the utmost importance that businesses offer flexible work arrangements when possible and make the world a better place, while 47% say the same of promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.
However, no more than 36% of Americans believe businesses are doing an “excellent” or “good” job in any of these areas. The gaps between importance and positive performance are largest for providing high-quality healthcare (44 points), equitable pay (38 points) and environmental sustainability (34 points).
These priorities and performance ratings have remained generally steady over time with little to no improvement since the study began in 2022.
Bottom Line
Americans see businesses as more effective and trustworthy than the federal government at making a positive impact on society, but they also believe corporate America is not doing well in addressing key goals the public cares about. While Americans view businesses as less able to positively affect people’s lives than the government, they still expect companies to prioritize issues like employee wellbeing, environmental responsibility and equitable pay.
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