Public confidence in information provided by the U.S. federal government is declining across several major issues, according to a new poll released as the country heads toward the 2026 midterm elections.

Election Information Faces Growing Skepticism

The poll by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and USAFacts found that only about 34% of Americans have strong confidence in the federal government's certification of election results, down from 40% in 2024.

The findings highlight the growing challenge facing government agencies as Americans increasingly question official information about elections, immigration, foreign policy, abortion and environmental issues.

Political Divisions Deepen

The survey also found significant partisan differences in attitudes toward federal information. Democrats have become substantially more skeptical of government data during President Donald Trump's second term, while Republican confidence has increased modestly.

Independents remain broadly distrustful, while confidence in political campaign messages is particularly low. Only around one in 10 Americans said they trust political messages from either major party.

The results come less than two months before the November 3, 2026, midterm elections, when control of Congress will be contested. Rising skepticism could make election communication, government transparency and efforts to counter misinformation important issues for candidates and election officials.

The poll underscores a broader political challenge: restoring public trust in government information could become an important part of the 2026 election debate.