POLIS Index USA for U.S. President
Highlights by Socioeconomic Status
Ethical perceptions of Donald Trump vary modestly by socioeconomic status (SES), with the middle class rating him most favourably. Middle-class respondents assign Trump a POLIS score of 2.45, compared to 2.28 from the lower class and 2.23 from the upper class. This pattern suggests that Trump’s ethical appeal is strongest among middle-income Americans.
The lower class rates Trump slightly more favourably than the upper class, despite often being more affected by the policies and rhetoric associated with his leadership. A POLIS score of 2.28 reflects a cautious level of trust, potentially driven by perceptions of economic advocacy or outsider status rather than consistent alignment with values such as fairness or accountability.
Respondents in the upper class offer the lowest ethical evaluations, with a POLIS score of 2.23. This suggests that wealthier Americans may be more critical of Trump’s adherence to democratic norms, possibly due to concerns over transparency, competence, or institutional legitimacy.
The middle class, by contrast, appears to view Trump’s leadership as somewhat more credible in ethical terms. This may reflect a perception that Trump speaks to their concerns or champions policies that resonate with middle-income priorities, even if overall trust remains modest.
Overall, the POLIS Index shows that Donald Trump’s ethical credibility varies with SES, but not dramatically. While the middle class is slightly more supportive, all three groups rate him below the threshold of high ethical trust—indicating broad ambivalence toward his alignment with core democratic values.
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.