POLIS Index USA for U.S. President
Highlights by Employment Status
Americans’ ethical evaluations of Donald Trump differ across employment status, with those not in paid work offering the most favourable assessments. This group assigns Trump a POLIS score of 2.49, the highest among all employment categories. At the other end of the spectrum, unemployed respondents rate him the lowest, with a POLIS score of just 2.12—a gap of 0.37 points.
Full-time employed Americans give Trump a POLIS score of 2.40, while self-employed individuals rate him slightly lower at 2.31. These moderate scores suggest that working Americans, especially those in traditional employment arrangements, maintain some ethical trust in Trump’s leadership, though it remains lukewarm.
Part-time workers provide a POLIS score of 2.26, falling between the unemployed and full-time employed. This group’s skepticism may stem from perceived economic precarity or inconsistent support in policies affecting gig and part-time labour, which may influence their ethical judgments about Trump’s values.
The lowest evaluations come from unemployed Americans. With a POLIS score of 2.12, this group expresses the most ethical distrust in Trump’s leadership—potentially shaped by lived experiences with economic hardship and perceptions of inadequate institutional fairness or empathy under his leadership.
Overall, the POLIS Index reveals that employment status influences how Americans perceive the ethical credibility of Donald Trump. While those outside the labour force view him most positively, the unemployed express the most doubt—highlighting the interplay between economic stability and trust in political leadership.
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.