POLIS Index USA for U.S. President
Highlights by Gender
Ethical perceptions of Donald Trump vary by gender, with men rating him more favourably than women or non-binary individuals. Men assign Trump a POLIS score of 2.43, while women rate him slightly lower at 2.31. Respondents identifying with a gender other than male or female provide the lowest POLIS score at just 1.82. This gradient of ethical evaluation suggests a clear pattern of decreasing trust in Trump’s values-based leadership across the gender spectrum.
The gap between men and women is moderate (0.11 points rounded), indicating that although both groups are skeptical of Trump’s ethical alignment, men are somewhat more likely to perceive him as embodying values like competence, legitimacy, and fairness. These differences may reflect broader partisan, cultural, or generational divides in how leadership is interpreted and evaluated across genders.
The sharpest contrast appears between men and non-binary or gender-diverse respondents, with a POLIS score gap of 0.61 points. This substantial difference signals deeper concerns within gender-diverse communities about Trump’s alignment with values such as transparency, benevolence, and accountability—areas where his public record and rhetoric have faced particular scrutiny.
Women’s evaluations fall between the two other groups but lean closer to non-binary respondents. This suggests that women share many of the same concerns about Trump’s ethical approach to leadership—particularly in domains like fairness, respect for institutional norms, and moral responsibility.
Overall, the POLIS Index reveals a strong gender divide in perceptions of Donald Trump’s ethical credibility. While men are more inclined to view him favourably, women and especially gender-diverse individuals express lower trust in his leadership across all measured values. These results underscore the importance of inclusive ethical standards in building public trust across gender groups.
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.