A Glimpse into the Evolving Trust in American News Sources

Trust is a delicate bond, and when it comes to information, this bond is ever-shifting. Pew Research Center’s latest survey sheds light on how Americans’ trust in news organizations and social media has transformed over time.

Downward Trajectory in Trust Levels

In recent months, trust in information from national and local news organizations has declined significantly among Americans. An alarming 56% now trust national outlets, slipping 11 percentage points since early 2025. Local news organizations, usually more reliable for many, also face a drop, now trusted by 70%, down from 80% earlier.

Political Parties and the Trust Divide

Trust remains a political matter. Republicans and Democrats exhibit distinct trust patterns. Just 44% of Republicans trust national news today, marking a decline from past years, albeit higher than its lowest in 2021 where it stood at 35%. Democrats too face a trust dip, with 69% trusting national sources, a historic low since data collection began.

Social Media - An Equally Divisive Platform

Interestingly, both parties echo similar trust levels in social media, standing at 37%. Republicans show a drop from earlier this year, while Democrats remain consistent over the years. With youth more active on these platforms, this trend raises questions about future trust benchmarks.

Age Groups and Trust Dynamics

Age differences shape trust perceptions. While under-50s exhibit slightly less trust in traditional media than their seasoned counterparts, the gap narrows impressively. Flashing a spotlight on youth, those under 30 split their trust about equally between national news and social media.

Younger Democrats Show Reduced Trust

Young Democrats show reduced trust compared to older members, especially regarding both national and local news. While 79% of senior Democrats express trust, this confidence wanes among the 30-49 and under-30 brackets.

A Future of Evolving Trust

As our information ecosystem changes, trust remains the fulcrum upon which public opinion balances. Navigating this terrain demands awareness and adaptability, both from the audience and those delivering the news. Change is the only constant, and trust, it seems, is no exception. According to Pew Research Center, these trends provide a reflective snapshot of where trust lies today and where it may head tomorrow.