Story perspectives

Poll Finds 75% Say Corruption Shapes Federal Decisions

8/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

A Reuters/Ipsos poll (August 14-17, 2026) finds three in four Americans say corruption heavily influences federal decisions.
Fifty-one percent say corruption was worse under President Donald Trump, with 49 percent viewing the Republican Party as more corrupt than the Democratic Party (41 percent).
Only 33 percent approve of President Donald Trump’s performance, versus 64 percent disapproval.
Four-in-five expect U.S. involvement in Iran to continue long-term, and disapprove of U.S. strikes on Iran.

History

Historical Context

Watergate began with the June 17 1972 break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters, leading to President Richard Nixon’s resignation on August 9 1974 after 69 people were charged. The scandal drove a lasting distrust that resurfaced in a Reuters/Ipsos poll Aug 14-17 2026, where 75 % of Americans said corruption dominates federal decisions, fueling opposition to continued U.S. involvement in Iran after the 1979 Iranian Revolution.

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Story summary

A Reuters/Ipsos poll (August 14-17, 2026) finds three in four Americans say corruption heavily influences federal decisions.
Fifty-one percent say corruption was worse under President Donald Trump, with 49 percent viewing the Republican Party as more corrupt than the Democratic Party (41 percent).
Only 33 percent approve of President Donald Trump’s performance, versus 64 percent disapproval.
Four-in-five expect U.S. involvement in Iran to continue long-term, and disapprove of U.S. strikes on Iran.

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