New poll shows where global confidence in key institutions stands

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LONDON - A new poll reveals that global confidence in many key national institutions, including the military and banks, is higher today than it was 20 years ago.

Gallup surveyed approximately 1,000 adults from 140 counties and territories from 2006 to 2025. In addition, 1,000 U.S. adults were surveyed between June and July 2025. 

Military, banks elicit most confidence

Big picture view:

The findings, published in Gallup’s World Poll, found that median confidence in the military, courts, elections and banks is higher today, while confidence in national governments is similar to its level from two decades ago.

FILE-The Senate side of the U.S. Capitol building is seen early in the morning on March 8, 2025, in Washington, DC. (Credit: J. David Ake/Getty Images)

The military elicited the most confidence of the five, with a median of 72% of adults globally expressing faith in the institution. Financial institutions follow at 63%.

Meanwhile, median confidence in the remaining three – judicial systems (52%), national governments (50%) and the honesty of elections (49%) – were all near 50%.

Findings do not suggest confidence everywhere

Despite these findings, the report noted that the absence of a global decline does not mean confidence is universally high or unchanged everywhere. 

What they're saying:

"Many adults still lack faith in the key institutions that influence their lives, particularly their national government, judiciary and elections," the report said. 

Countries often touted as models of democracy — including the United States, France and the United Kingdom — have suffered declining confidence in many of these key institutions. However, these countries were the exception.

RELATED: Latest poll results show Trump disapproval reaching new high

Gallup said its trends challenge the common narrative that global confidence in institutions is in universal decline. 

Other recent polls show low approval for Congress, Trump

The backstory:

This news comes amid other recent polls that showcase lower support for Congress and President Donald Trump.

A poll from Gallup, which was conducted in April, found that only 10% of respondents approved of the job performance of Congress, compared to 86% who disapproved.

RELATED: Poll reveals record low support for Congress

Meanwhile, another new poll showcased Trump’s disapproval rating at a new high as the Iran war fuels higher prices and economic uncertainty. 

The poll put Trump’s overall approval at 37%, 2 percentage points lower than in February. His overall disapproval was at 62%, the highest he’s seen in his two terms in office.