FACT CHECK: Are Young Americans Really Losing Trust in U.S. Institutions Amid Political and Economic Turmoil?

The Claim:

Several international and domestic reports suggest that young Americans are increasingly disillusioned with U.S. institutions, including the government, judiciary, police, and media, amid rising political polarization and economic anxiety.

The Facts:

Gallup Data Confirms Falling Trust Levels
A Financial Times analysis of Gallup data reveals a sharp decline in institutional trust among Americans under 30. Fewer than one-third of young Americans say they trust public institutions — one of the lowest among wealthy nations.

Plummeting Confidence in the Judiciary and Police
Confidence in the judiciary hit a historic low in 2024. More than a third of young Americans surveyed also said they distrust the police — a notable shift in civic sentiment.

Mental Health & Stress Crisis
The well-being of under-30s is declining. Over 61% reported recent experiences of stress, ranking the U.S. as the third most stressed wealthy country after Greece and Canada.

Media Trust at Record Low
Gallup’s long-term polling shows trust in U.S. media has nosedived — from nearly two-thirds in the 1970s to just 31% in 2024. Belief in the ethical standards of television reporters dropped to a mere 13%, the lowest on record.

Housing and Job Woes for Gen Z
Despite low unemployment figures, economic anxiety remains high among Gen Z. Rising rents, utility costs, and a weakening job market have led to a surge in unemployment benefits among young people — the largest jump across any generation.

Over-Spending and Dwindling Savings
Bank of America Institute data shows Gen Z consumers spent twice their savings in February 2025, revealing a dangerous mismatch between earnings and expenditures — even in a time of wage growth.

The Context:

Political polarization, media distrust, and economic instability have converged to create a growing crisis of confidence among young Americans. Nordic countries like Finland and Norway remain models of institutional trust, while the U.S. finds itself in a category with Greece and Italy for public dissatisfaction.

Verdict:

True – Multiple reputable sources confirm that trust in U.S. institutions among young Americans is deteriorating due to political, economic, and social factors. This growing disillusionment reflects both systemic failures and a shifting generational outlook on governance, media, and stability.