Nearly 9 in 10 Americans report widespread government corruption after Trump's return

A staggering 89% of Americans now believe government corruption is rampant, according to a recent Gallup survey. This marks a dramatic 10-point rise from last year and a significant departure from the 72%–79% range observed between 2010 and 2025. Democrats have driven much of this surge, with 91% of them now viewing corruption as widespread, up from 76% during the first year of President Trump's term.

In 2024, when President Biden was still in office, just 57% of Democrats felt this way. Among independents, 90% now perceive widespread corruption, a 12-point increase since 2024.

President Trump's income has skyrocketed since his return to office. In his first year, he earned over $2.2 billion, and in 2024, he reportedly made around $600 million. Much of this wealth comes from non-traditional business interests, including his cryptocurrency ventures. He faced criticism after a UAE-linked investment firm acquired nearly half of his main crypto firm, prompting accusations of potential foreign influence over U.S. policy.

Additionally, Trump has been making money from a new plan to provide early access to his Truth Social posts, which can influence markets.

The findings come amid growing calls from congressional lawmakers to address what they view as conflicts of interest. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) released a report in November concluding that Trump and his family substantially benefited from the rollback of cryptocurrency regulations aimed at protecting Americans from fraud and scams.

Democrats have also criticized the president for accepting lavish gifts, including a $400 million Qatari jet. The issue extends beyond the presidency, as congressional lawmakers have faced increasing scrutiny for trading stocks while in office, often raking in significant sums.