POLIS Index USA for U.S. President
Highlights by Gender
Americans’ ethical evaluations of Donald Trump differ sharply by sexual orientation. Respondents who identify as straight assign Trump a POLIS score of 2.43, while those who identify as gay or bisexual rate him much lower at 1.84. This striking 0.59-point gap reflects a pronounced difference in how these groups perceive Trump’s alignment with values-based leadership.
The score of 2.43 from straight Americans suggests a moderate level of ethical trust, particularly on values such as competence, legitimacy, and transparency. While not particularly high, this rating indicates a segment of the population that views Trump’s leadership through a relatively more favourable moral lens.
By contrast, gay and bisexual respondents offer a substantially more critical assessment. A POLIS score of 1.84 signals broad skepticism about Trump’s adherence to ethical standards like fairness, accountability, and benevolence. This low score places Trump below the credibility threshold for many in this community, suggesting significant concerns about his values and decision-making.
The size of the gap between these groups underscores more than just policy disagreement—it reflects a broader ethical divide. Issues of representation, inclusivity, and social equity may factor strongly into how Trump’s leadership is perceived by sexual minorities, particularly in light of his rhetoric and governance record on LGBTQ+ matters.
Overall, the POLIS Index reveals a substantial divide in ethical perceptions of Donald Trump based on sexual orientation. While straight Americans offer a modest level of support, gay and bisexual respondents express notably lower trust—highlighting the impact of identity and inclusivity on how political leadership is morally evaluated.
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.