According to a recent Gallup poll, Americans’ confidence in the judicial system and courts has plummeted to a historic low of just 35% in 2024, reflecting a worrying trend of political division and discontent. This marks a stark decline of 24 percentage points over the past four years, setting the United States apart from many other affluent nations, where trust in legal systems remains relatively high. This decline has occurred during a particularly tumultuous period in American politics, characterized by significant events such as the Supreme Court’s reversal of federal abortion rights, former President Donald Trump’s criminal indictments, and his ongoing rhetoric challenging the judiciary’s credibility.
The decline in confidence in the judicial system is not confined to one ideological spectrum; individuals across both sides of the political aisle expressed lower trust levels. Gallup’s findings indicate that confidence waned among those dissatisfied with President Biden’s leadership as well as among his supporters. Notably, among those who disapproved of Biden, there was a dramatic 17-point drop, likely influenced by ongoing legal proceedings involving Trump. Meanwhile, the group that approved of Biden’s leadership witnessed an 18-point decrease in confidence, suggesting a discontent with court decisions that appeared to favor Trump. This erosion in trust underscores a broader pattern where political disapproval correlates with diminishing faith in judicial institutions.
The legal circumstances surrounding Trump played a significant role in public perceptions of the judicial system. Throughout 2024, Trump faced four major criminal indictments, although only one case—a hush-money payment—culminated in a trial and conviction. The outcomes of the ongoing federal investigations led by Special Counsel Jack Smith regarding attempts to overturn the 2020 election, as well as allegations related to the mishandling of classified documents, have further complicated the public’s view of the judicial system. Meanwhile, a Georgia state case regarding election interference remains largely postponed, with Trump steadfastly denying any wrongdoing.
Historical data from Gallup further illustrates the correlation between significant political events and shifts in public trust. For instance, among Democrats, confidence in the Supreme Court fell by 25 points between 2021 and 2022, coinciding with the court’s decision to revoke abortion rights. While there was a slight recovery to 34% in 2023, the trust among Democrats dropped again to just 24% in 2024, following opinions suggesting broad immunity from prosecution for Trump and former presidents. In stark contrast, confidence levels among Republicans rose significantly, reaching 71% in 2024, illustrating the polarized nature of trust in the judicial system.
The trend of declining trust in the judicial system appears to be accelerating more rapidly than other institutions within the United States. Confidence in the federal government also decreased, reaching 26%, but this 20-point decline was not as steep as that seen in the courts. The judiciary’s rapid loss of public confidence starkly contrasts with several wealthier nations where trust levels remain stable. Only a few countries globally have experienced more significant drops in judicial trust during a similar four-year duration, such as Myanmar amidst military rule and Venezuela facing severe political unrest.
The Gallup survey that captured these insights was based on telephone interviews with a random sample of 1,000 U.S. adults conducted between late June and early August. The findings reflect a concerning picture of trust in one of the foundational pillars of American democracy during a time of deep political divisions and societal unrest. As confidence in the judicial system continues to decline, it raises questions about the implications for governance, civil liberties, and the overall health of democracy in the United States, highlighting the need for urgent reflections on institutional integrity and public trust.