The Graduate School of Political Management at George Washington University, in collaboration with Schoen Cooperman Research, has released the findings of its U.S. Post-Election Trust in Government Study. The study was conducted shortly after the 2024 presidential election. It sheds light on increasing concerns over public trust in government and its communication efforts.
Researchers surveyed 800 American adults from 19 to 23 November 2024 to understand the impact of the recent election on public perceptions, views on government effectiveness, the integrity of its messaging, and the evolving information landscape.
The following are the key findings:
• Declining Trust in Government: A significant number of Americans reported a decrease in trust in government post-election. This decline is not uniform. It varies by political affiliation and gender. Democrats and women showing greater erosion of trust. Republicans and men exhibit a modest increase in confidence.
• Impact of False Information: 70 percent of respondents struggled to find reliable election information due to online misinformation and disinformation. Deepfakes emerged as a specific concern. Over 70 percent worried about their potential to spread false narratives. A broad distrust in both the government and traditional news organizations signals a deeper confidence crisis in public information systems.
• Perception of Partisan Division: The study reveals a divided outlook on government effectiveness in the post-election landscape. While some Americans are optimistic about improved government effectiveness post-election, opinions are sharply polarized along partisan lines, reflecting the nation’s political divides.
• Generational Media Consumption: Younger generations depend on dynamic and fast-paced social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube for information. Older adults favor platforms that are stable and allow longer-form content like television and Facebook. The generational divide in media consumption presents a significant challenge for crafting effective communication strategies.
The study highlights a crisis in public trust, exacerbated by misinformation, disinformation, and polarization. It emphasizes the need for government leaders and communicators to modernize communication strategies to address fragmented media consumption habits across demographics and combat false information by promoting transparency and credibility.
Lesley Lopez, the program director at George Washington University, underscores the fragmented media landscape and the challenges it poses. Her statement emphasizes the need for leaders to adapt to changing communication dynamics and prioritize trust-building efforts.
The study provides a call to action for leaders, policymakers, and communicators. It suggests that rebuilding trust requires addressing misinformation and disinformation, fostering transparency, and tailoring strategies to diverse audiences. It added that leaders can enhance public engagement and restore confidence in government institutions through these insights.