USA (Washington Insider Magazine)—A recent U.S. News – Harris Poll reveals deep dissatisfaction among Americans with current U.S. leaders, who are seen as unprepared to address today’s major crises. According to the survey, 86% of respondents are “largely disappointed” in U.S. leadership, with 47% expressing strong discontent. The findings highlight the public’s perception that leaders at both national and corporate levels fail to reflect the values and priorities of everyday Americans.
The poll, conducted among 2,100 adults, shows particularly strong disapproval of political leaders, with 84% stating there is a “leadership crisis” in U.S. government. Nearly three-quarters of respondents believe politicians prioritize power over serving their constituents, and 72% say most political figures are untrustworthy. The data further reveals a generational divide, with older Americans (94% of those 70 and older) expressing even greater disappointment than younger people (76% of those 18-29).
Local leaders, however, fare better, with 65% of respondents saying they are more effective at addressing societal issues than national leaders. Trust in local leaders also runs higher, as 72% of respondents feel they are more reliable compared to those on the national stage.
Diversity in leadership remains a critical issue, with 81% of Americans agreeing that more diverse representation is needed to better reflect the populace. Over half (55%) believe racial and ethnic diversity is lacking in government, and 65% feel similarly about corporate leadership.
The qualities Americans most desire in their leaders are “trustworthiness” and “honesty,” followed by being “hard-working” and “ethical.” While 89% believe leaders should be more collaborative, a significant portion (71%) think society should evolve beyond the traditional view of leadership, welcoming diverse backgrounds and fresh perspectives to meet new challenges.
This survey highlights the growing call for a new generation of leaders who can navigate pressing issues such as economic disparities, climate change, and technological advancements with integrity and accountability.