Edelman Trust Barometer 2025 Reveals Growing Distrust in Leaders and Institutions

A recent survey by the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer has revealed that 7 in 10 people believe government officials, business leaders, and journalists intentionally mislead them by making statements they know to be false or exaggerated. The report, released on Sunday, highlighted a growing erosion of trust in institutions that were once regarded as highly credible.

The survey, which gathered responses from approximately 32,000 adults across 28 countries, indicated a 21% increase in distrust toward business leaders since 2021. Similarly, skepticism toward government officials and the media has grown by 19% over the same period.

Around 6 in 10 respondents expressed grievances against government entities, business leaders, and wealthy individuals, attributing their discontent to perceived bias and a belief that these institutions primarily serve the interests of a select few. Those who reported a high level of grievance were found to be significantly less likely to trust CEOs, with only 30% expressing confidence in them, compared to 64% among those with fewer grievances.

Richard Edelman, CEO of Edelman, remarked that businesses are facing increasing backlash from those who oppose their role as drivers of societal change. He further emphasized that overcoming a grievance-driven society would require collaborative efforts across institutions to address critical issues such as information integrity, affordability, sustainability, and the future of artificial intelligence.

Despite the overall decline in trust, the survey found that nearly 8 in 10 respondents believe business leaders are justified in addressing societal challenges if their efforts can make a meaningful impact. Additionally, three-fourths of participants supported business involvement in social issues, provided it enhances company performance, while 71% endorsed engagement if it directly affects customers, employees, or communities.

Those with high levels of grievance expressed the belief that businesses should do more to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, misinformation, and discrimination.

The report also noted that “my employer” remains the most trusted institution; however, it experienced the largest decline in trust, dropping three points from 79% in 2024 to 76% in 2025. While businesses and NGOs also saw a decline in trust compared to the previous year, government and media recorded slight improvements—rising by 2 and 1 points, respectively—though they continue to rank as the least trusted institutions overall.

Have you read?
Best countries for hiring freelancers.
Highest Paid Big Pharma CEOs And Top Executives.
Best Websites For CEOs, business leaders, and high-net-worth individuals.
Best Executive Search Firms And Consultants in America.
Revealed: Most Powerful Women In The World.