Trust in U.S. News Media Drops Again, Pew Survey Finds
Americans are losing confidence in the news they consume. A new Pew Research Center survey reveals that trust in both national and local news organizations has declined after a short-lived rise earlier this year.
The survey shows the drop spans every age group and both major political parties. This shift reflects growing skepticism toward how information is shared and verified in the U.S.
National vs. Local Trust Levels
Only 56% of U.S. adults now say they have a lot or some trust in national news outlets. That’s an 11-point decrease since March 2025 and a steep 20-point fall since Pew first tracked the issue in 2016.
Local news outlets continue to fare better but still face a trust problem. About 70% of Americans say they trust local media at least somewhat, down from 80% in March and 82% in 2016.
Political and Generational Divide
The decline cuts across political lines. Fewer than half of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents (44%) express trust in national news sources. Democrats show higher confidence but also report a decline compared to previous years.
Younger audiences are particularly skeptical. Many prefer independent sources, social media updates, or influencers over traditional outlets. However, experts warn that these platforms often lack editorial oversight.
As trust erodes, both journalists and audiences face a critical challenge rebuilding confidence through transparency, accuracy, and balanced reporting.
