How corrupt is the U.S. Government?

Critical Analysis

Find answers to the following questions using the visual above, any links below, your big brain, and your knowledge of American government and politics:

1. Americans’ perceptions of government corruption in the U.S. are at their highest level in 20 years. According to the data from the visual above in 2026 what portion of Americans believe that corruption is widespread throughout the U.S. government?

2. According to the data from the visual above 20 years ago in 2006 what portion of Americans believed that corruption is widespread throughout the U.S. government?

3. Describe the change in Americans’ perception of government corruption over the past two decades.

4. Why do you think so many Americans view the government as corrupt?

5. How do you think this view will impact turnout in the 2026 midterm election?

6. According the the data from the visual below* how does party identification impact perception of government corruption?

7. Explain whether you believe corruption is widespread throughout the government in our country.

8. According to Transparency International The United States is currently ranked as the 29th least corrupt country in the world (1 position more corrupt than last year). The Corruption Perception Index (CPI) uses a scale from 100 to 0 to measure the level of corruption in a country. 100 is very clean and 0 is highly corrupt. Transparency International defines corruption as: the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. Corruption erodes trust, weakens democracy, hampers economic development and further exacerbates inequality, poverty, social division and the environmental crisis. Exposing corruption and holding the corrupt to account can only happen if we understand the way corruption works and the systems that enable it. Identify one example of the U.S. government’s power being used for private gain.

9. President Trump has allowed a high level of conflict of interest, graft, and corruption to creep into his administration. In his first year back in office in 2025 Donald Trump earned more than $2.2 billion during his first year back in office in 2025. Some examples of this corruption include:

   • Cabinet and Ambassadorship Appointments: Wealthy donors who gave millions to pro-Trump political action committees (PACs) or inaugural funds secured powerful government positions and ambassadorships.

   • Pardons and Commutations: High-profile financial donors and convicted white-collar criminals received presidential pardons or had sentences commuted after contributing heavily to political committees or causes linked to the family.

   • Dismissed Investigations: Federal investigations and enforcement actions involving major corporate donors were dropped or sidelined following substantial financial contributions.

   Foreign Entanglements and Gifts

   • Luxury Aircraft: The royal family of Qatar gifted a luxury Boeing 747 jumbo jet valued at hundreds of millions of dollars to serve as Air Force One.

   • Cryptocurrency and Foreign Investments: Foreign entities, including investment funds linked to the United Arab Emirates, invested billions in digital currency and business ventures connected to the Trump family prior to securing major U.S. policy and technology concessions.

   • International Properties: The sitting president maintained and expanded dozens of active international real estate developments, creating direct financial channels for foreign governments and investors seeking favorable U.S. policy.

   Family and Personal Enrichment

   • Government Contracts for Family Businesses: Startups and companies tied to Trump’s family members and close associates received lucrative government contracts, Pentagon loans, and surging stock valuations.

   • Using Personal Properties for Official Business: The administration directed major official events—such as the G20 Summit—to personal properties owned by Trump, driving taxpayer and foreign government spending directly into his private businesses.

   • Stock and Financial Trades: The president and his investment managers engaged in massive volumes of securities trading while simultaneously overseeing regulatory and tariff policies capable of moving financial markets.

   How do you think the Trump presidency will impact our future rankings from Transparency International.

10. According to Patricia Moreira, Director of Transparency America, “Corruption chips away at democracy to produce a vicious cycle, where corruption undermines democratic institutions and, in turn, weak institutions are less able to control corruption.” How do you explain the connection between democracy and corruption?

Write and Discuss

Take ten minutes to write about the question at the top of the page and then discuss with your classmates.

Act on your Learning

You can co-sponsor the American Anti-Corruption Act.

Get Creative

In recent years, the U.S. has been getting more corrupt. Make a creative response imagining a future America that is more corrupt.

Learn More*

Check out the entire CPI interactive map and the entire 2025 CPI report.