POLIS Index USA for U.S. President
Highlights by Citizenship
Ethical evaluations of Donald Trump are relatively consistent across citizenship status, though a small gap remains. Non-citizens assign him a POLIS score of 2.42, slightly higher than the 2.37 he receives from U.S. citizens. While the difference is modest—just 0.06 points—it suggests that non-citizens may perceive Trump’s leadership slightly more favourably in terms of ethical alignment.
The higher score among non-citizens may be surprising given Trump’s well-documented stance on immigration. However, it’s possible that for some non-citizen respondents, Trump’s assertive leadership style or economic policies resonate more strongly than his polarizing rhetoric, leading to a higher perception of competence or legitimacy.
Citizens, by contrast, may be more exposed to the full scope of Trump’s governance and political behavior—particularly issues related to transparency, accountability, and procedural fairness. These values may weigh more heavily in their evaluations, slightly lowering his overall POLIS score among the domestic electorate.
Despite the slight difference, both scores fall within a range that signals broad ethical skepticism. Neither group sees Trump as strongly aligned with the seven core values of ethical leadership measured by the POLIS Index, reinforcing a general lack of public confidence in his moral or institutional standing.
Overall, the POLIS Index reveals that Donald Trump’s ethical reputation is consistently moderate-to-low across both citizens and non-citizens. While non-citizens are marginally more favorable in their evaluations, the shared pattern of subdued ethical trust highlights ongoing concerns about his leadership values in the broader public consciousness.
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.