80% of Americans say criticism from news organizations keeps political leaders from doing things they shouldn’t
% of U.S. adults who say criticism from news organizations keeps political leaders from doing things that shouldn’t be done
Note: Survey data is from Pew Research Center’s American Trends Panel (2016-2026) and Center phone surveys (1986-2013). Survey methodology and question wording have changed over time. Surveys in 1985, 1989 and 1998 that did not ask independents whether they lean toward the Democratic Party or Republican Party are excluded from party analysis. Refer to the detailed responses for more details.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted Aug. 24-30, 2026.
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
80% of Americans say criticism from news organizations keeps political leaders from doing things they shouldn’t
% of U.S. adults who say criticism from news organizations keeps political leaders from doing things that shouldn’t be done
| All U.S. adults | Rep/Lean Rep | Dem/Lean Dem | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/2026 | 80 | 73 | 89 |
| 9/2025 | 75 | 66 | 86 |
| 9/2024 | 74 | 67 | 81 |
| 3/2019 | 68 | 50 | 82 |
| 3/2018 | 65 | 42 | 84 |
| 3/2017 | 70 | 48 | 88 |
| 2/2016 | 75 | 77 | 74 |
| 7/2013 | 68 | 69 | 70 |
| 7/2011 | 58 | 61 | 57 |
| 7/2009 | 62 | 66 | 59 |
| 7/2007 | 58 | 47 | 70 |
| 11/2005 | 62 | 43 | 73 |
| 6/2005 | 60 | 44 | 75 |
| 7/2003 | 54 | 49 | 58 |
| 7/2002 | 59 | 54 | 68 |
| 11/2001 | 55 | 49 | 63 |
| 9/2001 | 60 | 51 | 68 |
| 2/1999 | 58 | 67 | 55 |
| 2/1998 | 55 | ||
| 1/1994 | 66 | 70 | 64 |
| 8/1989 | 68 | ||
| 7/1985 | 67 |
Note: Survey data is from Pew Research Center’s American Trends Panel (2016-2026) and Center phone surveys (1986-2013). Survey methodology and question wording have changed over time. Surveys in 1985, 1989 and 1998 that did not ask independents whether they lean toward the Democratic Party or Republican Party are excluded from party analysis. Refer to the detailed responses for more details.
Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted Aug. 24-30, 2026.
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
