From USAFacts · · 1m 30s
America's data trust crisis
Public distrust in federal data grows as AI use rises.
In brief
Public distrust in federal data grows as AI use rises. Americans now trust federal agencies less than YouTube and social media, but 60% say data-based information is factual. Originally reported by USAFacts.
Trust in federal agencies drops
The percentage of people who trust information from federal agencies dropped from 18% in 2024 to 11% in 2026.
“18% in 2024 to 11% in 2026”
Political division linked to data
A 43% share of respondents attribute our country’s political division to 'relying on different facts' rather than having different beliefs.
“relying on different facts”
Data drives confidence
Sixty percent say they are very likely to see information as factual if it is based in data, the number one driver of confidence.
“sixty percent”
AI use and distrust
Over half of American households use AI tools, but only 14% of those users trust the information they get from it.
“over half of American households”
AI sentiment in 2025
Percentage of adults who reported household AI use by AI sentiment, June 2025.
“14%”
Public call for action
The American public has identified a twofold need: for more reliable information, and for more of our discourse to be centered around it.
“twofold need”
USAFacts' response
USAFacts is partnering with the Center for Open Data Enterprise to publish data standards for the government to model after and working to bring government data into the AI era.
“Center for Open Data Enterprise”
AI tools for public
USAFacts is launching tools within AI platforms to make trustworthy government data directly available to people using AI to get information.
“tools within AI platforms”
The one thing
Americans now trust federal agencies less than YouTube and social media, but 60% say data-based information is factual.
