Public Opinion facts & stats

Question 1

What share of Americans say they trust the federal government to do what is right always or most of the time (2025)?

Accepted Answer

17%. When the measure began in 1958, 73% of Americans trusted the federal government almost always or most of the time.

Question 2

Trust in the federal government hit its highest reading in Pew's long-term series in 1964. What was it?

Accepted Answer

77%. By 1980, only about a quarter of Americans expressed a high level of trust (25%).

Question 3

What share of U.S. adults expected a high-quality life five years from now (rating 8-10) in 2025, a record low?

Accepted Answer

59.2%. Gallup's measure began in 2008; the share was 68.3% in 2020.

Question 4

What share of Americans say they are more concerned than excited about the growing use of AI in daily life (June 2025)?

Accepted Answer

50%. In 2021, 37% said they were more concerned than excited; only 10% are now more excited than concerned.

Going deeper