Pew: Democratic anger at federal government hits record
A nationally representative Pew Research Center survey fielded Sept. 22–28, 2025 finds 44% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents feel angry toward the federal government—the highest share recorded in Pew trends since 1997—while 40% of Republicans and GOP leaners report feeling content and just 9% angry. Only about one in five Americans say they trust the federal government to do what’s right always or most of the time, among the lowest levels in seven decades, and the poll captures a widening emotional polarization that preceded the subsequent 43‑day government shutdown.
📌 Key Facts
- Pew survey fielded Sept. 22–28, 2025; probability-based, nationally representative sample.
- 44% of Democrats/D-leaners report anger (record high in Pew trend); only 8% report contentment.
- Among Republicans/GOP-leaners, 40% report contentment; 9% report anger.
- Overall trust in the federal government remains near historic lows at roughly 20%.
📊 Relevant Data
The 2025 US government shutdown lasted 43 days and was caused by a legislative deadlock where Democrats demanded the extension of expiring health insurance tax credits that make coverage affordable for about 24 million lower-income Americans, which was not included in the initial Republican funding bill.
Is the US government shutdown over, and why did it happen? — BBC
In 2024, Latino individuals accounted for 29.4% of ACA Marketplace plan selections (4.8 million), overrepresented compared to their 21.3% share of the non-elderly adult US population; Black individuals accounted for 16.3% (2.7 million), overrepresented compared to their 12.3% share; White individuals accounted for 45.8% (7.5 million), underrepresented compared to their 54.3% share.
HealthCare.gov Plan Selections by Race and Ethnicity, 2015-2024 — Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE), HHS
In September 2025, trust in the federal government was 14% among Black adults, 16% among White adults, 20% among Hispanic adults, and 22% among Asian adults.
Public Trust in Government: 1958-2025 — Pew Research Center
In the 2024 presidential election, 83% of Black voters supported the Democratic candidate, compared to 51% of Hispanic voters, 57% of Asian voters, and 45% of White voters.
Voting patterns in the 2024 election — Pew Research Center
Historical declines in public trust in the federal government were associated with events such as the Vietnam War, Watergate scandal, and economic struggles in the 1960s-1970s, dropping trust to about 25% by 1980.
Public Trust in Government: 1958-2025 — Pew Research Center