Is America Corrupt?

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

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Welcome to Front Page, where we break down Gallup's latest insights on our constantly evolving world. Here are the five insights you shouldn't miss this week:

1. Is America Corrupt?

Bar Chart: Comparing rates of perceived government corruption among 10 countries in 2022.

With former President Donald Trump and the current president's son, Hunter Biden, both facing criminal charges, it's no surprise that three in four Americans say corruption is widespread in their government. However, that number has generally remained at that level since 2010. What might surprise you is how poorly the U.S. stacks up against other OECD nations. Here's an eclectic sample of those nations and how they compare with the U.S. on perceptions of corruption in government.
Explore U.S. Politics

2. A Tale of Two Courts

Bar Chart: Confidence in national governments and militaries in West African countries.

Whether it's judicial ethics reform attempts on the Hill aimed at the Supremes or impactful judicial decisions like those in the last session, the U.S. Supreme Court is finding itself more and more in the public's focus. Today, the court maintains its record low of 40% approval among Americans. But while independents are about as likely as the general public to approve of the job the court is doing, partisans see two very different courts.
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3. Conflict in West Africa

Line Chart: Rating how clearly the CDC, state governors and Joe Biden communicated COVID-19 plans.

The recently announced military coup in Niger, ousting a democratically elected president, has many taking stock of the rash of military coups across sub-Saharan Africa. Here's a look at Western African nations and how people's confidence in the military matches up with confidence in the national government.
Explore World Content

4. Half Baked

Bar Chart: 50% of Americans have tried marijuana in 2023.

America has reached a tipping point with, for the first time, half of Americans now admitting they have tried marijuana. Time will tell whether this figure will continue to rise as more states move to legalize the recreational use of the plant.
Marijuana Trends

5. Boomers Chasing Retirement

Line Chart: Comparing the expected and actual retirement age of baby boomers in the U.S.

With all the talk about what millennials and younger workers want from work, it's important to not forget that baby boomers are still putting in the work, under tough societal and economic shifts and circumstances. At the same time, this group is thinking more than ever about retirement and how to achieve it … or avoid it. Check out the four-year gap between when folks aspire to retire and the actual average age of those who already have.
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And that's Front Page!

Mohamed Younis
Editor-in-Chief
Gallup

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