POLIS Index USA for U.S. President
Highlights by Education Level
Ethical perceptions of Donald Trump decline steadily with higher levels of education. Americans with a high school education or less assign him the highest POLIS score at 2.66, followed by those with a two-year degree at 2.53, four-year degree at 2.31, and the lowest score from those holding a graduate or professional degree at just 2.03. This linear drop suggests a strong inverse relationship between educational attainment and trust in Trump’s ethical leadership.
Among the least formally educated, Trump's appeal appears rooted in perceived values like competence, decisiveness, or legitimacy. The relatively higher POLIS score in this group may reflect a belief that Trump represents their interests or speaks to their concerns with directness and simplicity.
Those with a two-year degree show a modest decline in ethical evaluation, but it is among four-year and graduate degree holders that confidence in Trump drops most significantly. These groups may prioritize values like fairness, transparency, and accountability more critically, leading to a more skeptical view of Trump’s leadership style and governance history.
The group with graduate or professional degrees gives Trump the lowest POLIS score of 2.03. This suggests that the most highly educated Americans are the least likely to see Trump as ethically aligned with democratic values, perhaps due to greater exposure to institutional norms, critical media, or evidence-based policy standards.
Overall, the POLIS Index reveals a clear and consistent pattern: as education increases, ethical trust in Donald Trump decreases. This education gap highlights the role of knowledge, critical evaluation, and expectations of leadership in shaping how Americans interpret the ethical credibility of political figures.
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.