The systematic destruction of American institutional trust, by the numbers
The Bottom Line
Analysis shows a systematic decline in American institutional trust, impacting national cohesion.
A new analysis indicates a systematic decline in American institutional trust, impacting national well-being despite stable personal life satisfaction among citizens. This erosion is evidenced by decreasing confidence in democratic processes and institutions, alongside a rise in affective polarization. The trend suggests a significant challenge to national cohesion and governance.
What's Being Done
Actions, solutions, and how to get involved
Research institutions and academic bodies are conducting analyses to quantify and understand the decline in institutional trust, providing data to inform policy discussions. Lawmakers and civic organizations are exploring legislative reforms and community initiatives aimed at fostering transparency, improving democratic processes, and reducing affective polarization. Citizens can participate by engaging in local civic activities, supporting non-partisan journalism, and advocating for policies that promote government accountability and public discourse.
Should this be getting more attention?
You Might Have Missed
Related stories from different sources and perspectives
Trump fires Kristi Noem. And, DOJ releases some missing Epstein files
President Trump has fired DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and named Sen. Markwayne Mullin as her replacement. And, the Justice Department released some missing Epstein files.
Politics‘Operation Epstein Distraction’: Trump’s bloody Iran ‘hype videos’ seem to target niche audience
Government TransparencyDOJ releases Epstein files containing sexual assault allegations against Trump
The Department of Justice released a batch of previously unreleased documents from the Epstein files that include notes from FBI interviews with a woman who says she was assaulted by President Trump when she was a minor. The woman alleges she was assaulted by Trump in the 1980s and that she was also a victim of Epstein's. Justice correspondent Ali Rogin reports.
60 Minutes Havana Syndrome report finds U.S. tested energy weapon
Producers Oriana Zill de Granados and Michael Rey discuss mysterious injuries suffered by government officials, known as Havana Syndrome. Their reporting revealed U.S. government testing of a directed energy weapon.
Kristi Noem Nearly Destroyed FEMA. Will Her Exit Save It?
This story was originally published by Grist and is reproduced here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration. During the year she spent leading the US Department of Homeland Security, or DHS, Kristi Noem faced a torrent of criticism. Lawmakers from both parties assailed her for lying about the shooting of protestors in Minneapolis and spending millions of dollars on television commercials. Government audits […]
Did this story change how you see things?
Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.
The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.
See our sourcesMost Read This Week
White House halts security bulletin warning of Iran-related threats - Reuters
Sri Lanka recovers 87 bodies from Iranian warship sunk off its coast by U.S. submarine
At Largest ICE Detention Camp, Staff Bet on Detainee Suicides, AP Reports
Laden Iranian ships depart Chinese port tied to key military chemicals - The Washington Post
Fact-checking Trump's comments that a 2015 deal gave Iran the right to nuclear weapons
