New Survey: Distrust of Government Power Spikes to 62%, a 10-Point Jump

Gallup finds the share of Americans who believe Washington has “too much power” has soared to its highest level since the question was first asked in 2002.

⏱️ 4-minute read

A Nation Waking Up?

For most of the 21st century, Americans have been split over how powerful Washington should be. But this year’s Gallup survey shows something remarkable: nearly two-thirds of Americans — Republicans, independents, and even many Democrats — now agree the federal government’s reach has become excessive.

This isn’t just politics — it’s a shift in the national mood. After years of pandemic mandates, massive spending, and bureaucrats regulating everything from cars to kitchen appliances, Americans seem to have hit their limit. They’re noticing that decisions affecting their daily lives are no longer made in their communities or even their states — but by distant federal agencies.

Gallup now finds 62 percent of Americans say the federal government has too much power — up from 51 percent last year and higher than previous peaks of 60 percent in 2013 and 2015.

The real story is what’s driving this change — and it’s not Republicans.

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Below, I dig into Gallup’s surprising breakdown by party, and what it says about Democrats and independents under President Trump’s second term.

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