POLIS Index USA for U.S. President
Highlights by Religion
Religious identity is strongly associated with how Americans evaluate the ethical credibility of Donald Trump. Those who identify as religious assign Trump the highest POLIS score at 2.89, while atheists and agnostics provide significantly lower ratings at 1.78 and 1.80, respectively. This gap of more than 1.1 points underscores a sharp divide in ethical perceptions based on religious affiliation.
Atheist and agnostic respondents express the greatest skepticism toward Trump’s values-based leadership. Their similarly low POLIS scores suggest consistent doubt about Trump’s integrity, fairness, and alignment with democratic norms—likely influenced by differing views on morality, social equity, and institutional behavior.
Respondents who selected "Other" for religious identity offer a more moderate evaluation, assigning Trump a POLIS score of 2.28. While this is higher than the scores from secular groups, it still reflects ambivalence about Trump’s alignment with ethical expectations and trustworthiness.
The notably high rating from religious respondents likely reflects perceived value alignment on issues such as tradition, authority, or social conservatism. For this group, Trump may be viewed more favorably due to his rhetoric and policies that resonate with religious beliefs or institutional loyalty.
Overall, the POLIS Index reveals a stark contrast in ethical evaluations of Donald Trump based on religious identification. While religious Americans view him as more ethically credible, secular individuals—especially atheists and agnostics—consistently reject that assessment, emphasizing how moral and cultural values shape perceptions of 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.