POLIS Index USA for U.S. President
Highlights by Children in Household
Americans’ ethical perceptions of Donald Trump differ meaningfully depending on whether or not they have children in their household. Among respondents with one or more children, Trump receives a POLIS score of 2.56, compared to a lower score of 2.30 from those without children. This gap of over a quarter point suggests that parents perceive Trump more favourably in terms of ethical leadership than non-parents do.
The difference is consistent across nearly all values. Among those with children, Trump scores highest on competence (2.84), followed by benevolence (2.60) and legitimacy (2.74). These evaluations indicate that parents may view him as more effective, compassionate, and institutionally legitimate. These ratings surpass those from non-parents, who rate his competence at 2.61, benevolence at 2.32, and legitimacy at 2.44.
Integrity and transparency also receive stronger ratings from those with children—2.52 and 2.63, respectively—compared to 2.24 and 2.39 from those without. This suggests that parents are more likely to view Trump as honest and open, while non-parents express more skepticism about his moral character and clarity in communication.
The lowest-rated values for both groups are accountability and procedural fairness. Non-parents give Trump just 2.03 and 2.06 on these dimensions, while parents rate him moderately higher at 2.27 and 2.32. Though improved, these ratings still reflect concerns about whether Trump takes responsibility for his actions or applies consistent and fair processes.
Overall, the POLIS Index shows that while Trump faces ethical skepticism broadly, Americans with children in the household view him more favourably than those without. The consistent improvement across all values in the eyes of parents points to a subgroup of the population that perceives him as more aligned with values of strength, compassion, and legitimacy—though concerns about fairness and accountability remain across the board.
What values do people in democratic nations want their political parties to imbue and represent?
Integrity
Integrity means acting consistently with one’s principles and telling the truth, even when it's inconvenient. In a democracy, people expect their political representatives to follow through on promises and live up to the values they claim to hold. Without integrity, public trust quickly erodes.
Benevolence
Benevolence reflects care, compassion, and a commitment to serving the public rather than personal or partisan interests. Citizens expect those in power to act in the best interest of society, especially for vulnerable or underserved groups. When benevolence is lacking, politics can feel distant and self-serving.
Accountability
Accountability means being answerable for decisions and willing to admit mistakes. Democratic systems rely on the idea that leaders serve the people and must face consequences if they fall short. When accountability is strong, citizens feel empowered to demand better.
Legitimacy
Legitimacy is the belief that those in power deserve their authority and represent the people fairly. It’s not just about winning elections — it’s about earning public trust through ethical, democratic leadership. Without legitimacy, political systems struggle to function effectively or peacefully.
Competence
Competence is the ability to get things done — to design effective policies, manage resources, and solve problems. In democratic societies, voters want leaders who can deliver real results and meet the needs of diverse communities. Good intentions matter, but capable execution is essential.
Transparency
Transparency is about openness — making decisions visible, explaining them clearly, and sharing information honestly. In a democracy, people have a right to know how decisions are made and why. Transparency builds public confidence and helps prevent corruption or manipulation.
Procedural Fairness
Procedural fairness ensures that rules are applied equally, decisions are made impartially, and everyone is treated with respect. In a diverse democracy, fairness is the foundation of legitimacy — it reassures people that the system is not biased or rigged. Fair processes create faith in just outcomes.