Full Breakdown
Majority of Americans Say Trump Prioritized Personal Business Over Country, Poll Shows
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Findings of the AP-NORC Survey
A new poll conducted by the Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research indicates that a clear majority of U.S. adults believe President Donald Trump has used his office to advance personal financial interests.
Survey Scope and Timing
The nationwide survey was fielded in late September and included 2,140 adult respondents. It was released in early October and is presented as an AP-NORC report rather than a government-issued study.
Public Perception Data
- 41% of respondents say Trump has done something illegal to profit from his position.
- An additional 18% believe his actions are unethical but not illegal.
- Combined, 59% express distrust in Trump’s ethical or legal conduct.
- Only 18% say he has done “nothing wrong,” while 21% are unsure.
- A 56% majority says Trump has prioritized his personal business interests “a lot.”
- 54% feel the same about the business interests of his friends and family.
- Just 23% think he has prioritized the country “a lot,” and only 11% believe he has prioritized “people like them” “a lot.”
Context and Economic Background
Trump entered his first term in 2017 already wealthy, but analysts note a substantial increase in his net worth during his second term. Economic analyst Steve Rattner reported in May that Trump’s wealth rose from $2.3 billion to $6.5 billion after reelection, and a September Forbes estimate placed his net worth at $7 billion. Trump has consistently denied any illegal or unethical wrongdoing related to his business ventures.
Potential Political Implications
The poll’s findings suggest widespread public skepticism about Trump’s commitment to national versus personal interests, which could influence voter attitudes and legislative scrutiny of his administration’s financial disclosures. The high level of perceived conflict of interest may shape future electoral dynamics and prompt calls for stronger ethics oversight.